Building walking into projects

Action 4.1, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Long-term

Adopt an Active Transport Infrastructure Policy to plan and deliver walking infrastructure as part of projects on the state-controlled transport network.

Overview

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has drafted an Active Transport Infrastructure Policy. It reflects feedback on an earlier draft and testing. We are preparing Walking Network Plans with project teams. This will lay the groundwork for the revised policy and promote an understanding of planning for walking needs.

Achievements

We have prepared a draft policy to improve conditions for people walking and biking. It should apply to infrastructure projects. These include new or upgraded public transport stations and roads.

We already have a successful Cycling Infrastructure Policy. The draft Active Transport Infrastructure Policy integrates walking infrastructure with the existing policy. In 2022-23, we piloted Walking Network Plans as a key part of the proposed policy. We used the findings and feedback to amend the draft policy.

A key challenge is integrating the draft policies for walking into major projects because most walking pathways are the responsibility of local governments. We are exploring solutions such as a Walking Local Government Grant for infrastructure.

Next steps

We will work to finalise the proposed Active Transport Infrastructure Policy.

We will work with local governments to deliver Walking Network Plans. They will support future implementation of the proposed policy.

More information

Find out more about our Walking Network Plans.

Find our more about our Walking Network Planning guidance