Funding boost to bridge walking and cycling gaps in Western Sydney

Transport's Get NSW Active funding program is now open for applications, with $60 million available for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling in their communities. More than half of the funding will be prioritised for projects and initiatives in Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) and regional NSW.

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. 

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. 

The new round of funding coincides with the opening of the $19 million Alfred Street Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling connection across the Parramatta River at Alfred Street.

The bridge was funded by Transport’s Get NSW Active program ($3.5m), NSW Department of Planning ($8.15m) and City of Parramatta Council ($7.5m). It provides a 200-metre-long link over the river to the Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Avenue stop, as well as access to the 20km Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which weaves along the river.

The Alfred Street Bridge also connects to the new 5.7 kilometre shared path that runs alongside the Parramatta Light Rail corridor, a missing cycleway link built by Transport between George Street and Noller Parade on Alfred Street, and will link to the future George Street East Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths, which are due to be delivered next year by Council under Transport’s Get NSW Active program.

These projects form part of a growing network of safe cycleways and shared paths that will allow easier access to key attractions, community hubs, and current and future transport options including Sydney Metro West.

The City of Parramatta was also successful in the last round of Get NSW Active funding, receiving $341,000 for planning new or improved active transport links.

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