Clarence Valley Council has secured a grant of $953,700 from the Nationals in NSW Government’s Active Transport initiative for the construction of a two-metre wide footpath along Gumnut Drive, Yamba, connecting to Shores Drive, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
“What this is about is delivering community infrastructure that makes local areas better to live in. We don’t want to tell people how to run their lives, but we do want to give them more choices to lead healthy and active lives,” Mr Gulaptis said.
The Nationals in NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program provides funding for local projects that encourage vibrant centres and liveable neighbourhoods through the creation of street environments that prioritise walking and cycling.
“We have funded a few projects like this in the Lower Clarence and I strongly believe it is a good investment of public funds.”
Clarence Valley Mayor, Councillor Ian Tiley also welcomed the money.
“Thanks to this much-needed funding through the Get Active NSW program, this vital missing link in West Yamba’s pedestrian network can now come to fruition,” Cr Tiley said.
“Clarence Valley Council is committed to providing improved access and mobility in the community.
“By promoting sustainable modes of active transport for short trip destinations, Council is contributing to improving equity, health and the environment within the community.”
Minister for Active Transport (yes, that’s a real title) Rob Stokes said the third and final tranche of the 2022 program would see $77 million in funding for 161 projects across 45 councils.
“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to investment in new active transport infrastructure, building better footpaths and bike lanes in our cities and regions,” Mr Stokes said.
“More than $20 million has been committed to projects in regional NSW, where we’re seeing a growing demand for infrastructure that helps people walk and cycle safely.
“For children, older people, parents pushing prams or people with disabilities – a street without a footpath isn’t an inconvenience – it’s a barrier to moving freely in public space. That’s why we’ve already opened applications for Get NSW Active 2023 and we’re encouraging all councils to apply now.”