Action plan to meet sustainable transport targets

[Buzz Killington]

Media Release
Action plan to meet sustainable transport targets

Released 24/07/2009

The ACT Government is seeking input to the development of a new comprehensive sustainable transport plan, starting with an industry roundtable chaired by the ACT Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability Dr Maxine Cooper, Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope, announced today.

The roundtable will meet for the first time on Monday 27 July 2009 and include representatives from peak transport bodies and interest groups from the ACT and surrounding regions.

Mr Stanhope said the Government wanted to engage constructively with peak bodies and the wider community in developing the new plan, the Sustainable Transport Action Plan 2010 - 2016.

"The ACT Government is seeking input to the development of a comprehensive sustainable transport plan that will guide future decision-making and investment in the Territory's transport system," Mr Stanhope said. "For the first time the plan will aim to integrate investments in transport infrastructure and services with land-use planning, to deliver more sustainable transport options closer to home for more Canberrans.

"Strategies relating to transport infrastructure, parking, cycling, walking and public transport will be combined into one comprehensive plan to help the ACT meet its legislated sustainable transport targets.

"The plan will be developed through an extensive community consultation process starting with an industry roundtable chaired by the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Maxine Cooper.

"The roundtable discussion will inform the development of the plan which will be finalised before next year's Budget for consideration in the Budget process.

"The community will also be invited to have their say at public forums to be held later this year."

The plan will reaffirm the goals outlined in the 2004 Sustainable Transport Plan toincrease walking, cycling and public transport from 13 percent of work trips in 2001 to 20 percent in 2011 and to 30 percent in 2026.

Roundtable participants include representatives from the ACT Council of Social Services, Australian National University, Canberra Taxi Industry Association, CIT, Heart Foundation ACT, National Capital Authority, NRMA, Pedestrian Council Forum, Planning Institute of Australia, Property Council of Australia, Queanbeyan City Council, Transport Workers Union and University of Canberra.

[Bus 400]

Well I know one thing that will be missing from the new transport plan. In the 2004 Sustainable Transport Plan, it was mentioned that cyclists would get free travel on public transport.