Institute responds to Cairns’ active transport plan
The Institute welcomed council’s draft Active Transport Plan and urged the local government to carefully consider this strategy in tandem with the Local Government Infrastructure Plan to deliver active transport infrastructure.
Key points:
- Mode Share target necessary to push active transport
- Micro mobility a ‘game changer’ for how councils plan for cities
- Bicycle share scheme offer many benefits council can realise
- Better mechanisms and street trees key for improving walkability.
There is a real opportunity, as highlighted in the submission by the Institute, to fully maximise and utilise existing and potentially planned active transport infrastructure. Micro mobility and bicycle sharing schemes have been identified as initiatives where this mode of transport has the potential to yield high benefits for the region.
The local government was also encouraged to plant street trees as an essential component to encouraging walkability in region. The Institute has directed council to the outcomes and provisions from the State Government’s model code and mandatory provisions. While promoting street trees in new residential areas is important, we noted that some existing suburbs are devoid of street trees.
The Institute will continue to work with Cairns Regional Council on the draft Active Transport Plan. If you have any questions, please contact Policy Executive, Robert Tily via email or on (07) 3229 1589.