Funding for Improved Public and Active Transport Needs to be Prioritised in Growth Areas Where People are Choosing to Live
In light of the Climate Council’s recent report, ‘Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities’, it is clear we need to address the growing demand for improved public and active transport in Australia’s fastest-growing outer cities and suburbs. The daily struggle of residents in these areas is a stark reminder that funding for public and active transport must be prioritised to ensure sustainable growth and improved quality of life.
The Current Situation:
The report reveals a startling statistic: more than 7 million Australians in our five largest cities lack access to frequent, convenient, and reliable public transport. This inadequacy forces residents to rely heavily on private vehicles, leading to traffic congestion and increased pollution. Notably, the report highlighted several members of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) are among the most underserved by public transport, including Penrith and Campbelltown in NSW, Cardinia in VIC, Playford in SA, and Kwinana and Armadale in WA.
Case Study - City of Melton:
One NGAA member, the City of Melton, exemplifies the challenges faced by growth areas. Currently, 40,000 people live in new suburbs with no bus services. This number is set to rise with the development of 13,000 existing lots and 8,600 new lots in Aintree, Rockbank, Mount Atkinson, Deanside, Bonnie Brook, and Fraser Rise. Where bus services do exist, peak frequency is about 30 minutes, and routes are indirect, making travel times nearly double that of driving by car.
Impacts of Inadequate Public Transport:
Policy Recommendation:
The NGAA supports the following Climate Council’s policy recommendations:
Call to Action:
Consultation is now open for the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap, providing a critical opportunity to advocate for the necessary funding and strategic planning to address these challenges. Prioritising funding for improved public transport in growth areas is essential to ensure that these regions can thrive and that their residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.
By addressing these issues and implementing strategic public transport investments, we can create resilient, liveable and thriving communities for all Australians.
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