The NSW Government has announced $60 million for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling, with a major focus on Western Sydney and regional communities.

From today, councils can apply for grants in the latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active funding program to deliver projects that will encourage walking and cycling, and vibrant places to live, work and play.

This year, the Get NSW Active program will include $10 million in funding for councils to deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools to provide a safer and more comfortable walk or ride to and from school for kids and parents.

Upgraded and wider footpaths, cycleways, quality crossings, reduced speed zones, new trees, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians are some of the initiatives eligible for funding.

More than half of the funding will be prioritised for projects and initiatives in Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) and regional NSW. 

The Get NSW Active annual program (2023/24) received a record 523 applications from councils across the state with funding allocated for 46 Greater Sydney projects and 41 regional projects. 

Applications for Get NSW Active funding grants can be made from now until midnight 12 December 2023 through the NSW Government grants and funding website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said: 
“Our neighborhoods in Campbelltown already have a number of great walking and cycling tracks and this program can help develop them further.”
“More and more people are beginning to walk and ride their bikes and it’s important to have the infrastructure in place to support that.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Get NSW Active program is all about working with councils to make it easier for people to walk and cycle through their neighborhoods.

“It is exciting to see projects funded by this program now coming to life. The Alfred Street Bridge is a stunning new connection across the Parramatta River for people walking or jumping on their bikes. 
“With an estimated 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips taken each year across NSW, it’s vital we make it safer and easier. “

“I encourage NSW local governments make the most of this opportunity and put their applications in for the next Get NSW Active funding round.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Public Spaces Legacy program seeks to provide quality public open space for the community while speeding up the delivery of local projects.