Federal election 2016: Greens pledge $1bn for bike paths

The Greens pledge to build about 1000km of bike and walking tracks in Australian cities as part of a $1bn promise.

The Greens have promised to build about 1000km of bike and walking tracks in Australian cities as part of a $1 billion election promise.

And the party will today unveil a further $10bn plan for public transport projects across the nat­ion, taking their total campaign spending to more than $33bn.

The Greens argue that the spending on bikes, walking paths and public transport would be covered by revenue raised through superannuation tax increases, tougher treatment of negative gearing and capital gains tax and a crackdown on treatment of the resources industry.

The Greens promised $250 million a year over four years to encourage people to ride or walk to work. The “active transport fund’’ also aims to reduce obesity and boost mental health.

Today’s $10bn spend on public transport is the first instalment in a 10-year $25bn commitment.

Projects in the 10-year plan include $1bn for Sydney light rail connections, $1bn for an airport rail in Melbourne, $500m for MAX Light Rail in Perth, $500m for the AdeLINK tram network, $82m for Hobart Light Rail, $2bn for Brisbane Cross River Rail and $400m for stage two of Canberra Light Rail.

The bike-path announcement came as the Greens also ­announced a $370m plan to adapt to global warming, which ­includes a commitment to double the number of paid firefighters by 2030.

They were the latest big-spending policy announcements in a campaign that has included $2.4bn to end the freeze on the Medicare rebate; $4bn in extra funding for public hospitals; $1.4bn for mental health prevention and early diagnosis; and $175m on agricultural research and development and sustainable agriculture.

Scott Morrison seized on the spending announcements by the Greens.

“This is the price Labor will have to pay to form government with the Greens. But they will be sending the bill to taxpayers, just like they did last time,” the Treasurer told The Australian.

Labor Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen hit back: “Isn’t it ­interesting that the Liberal Party did a deal with the Greens to abolish the debt limit and now swap preferences across key seats in Victoria?’’ he said.

“The fact is, it’s only Labor and the Coalition that can form a government, and so while the Greens outline all kinds of pie-in-the-sky projects, they don’t have to ­account for where the money is coming from to pay for it, or outline any fiscal rules, or outline a credible pathway to surplus.’’

Greens transport spokes­woman Janet Rice said: “The bike is the world’s most energy efficient vehicle, but its role in a clean transport future is largely being ­ignored.

“The Greens’ vision for infrastructure includes a $250m annual commitment to active transport, which will make it easier and safer for people to jump on their bike or make their journey by foot.

“This will ease congestion, ­reduce the pollution that is causing global warming and create a healthier community.

“Last year, 32 people died while riding their bikes on Australian roads. Over the past five years, cyclist deaths are the only categ­ory of road users whose death toll is trending upwards.

“The best way to prevent these tragedies is to invest in safer facilities for people to ride.”

Craig Richards, chief executive of community organisation Bicycle Network, said the Greens announcement was a “bold commitment to the future health of all Australians’’.

He said the announcement was the “forward thinking’’ strategy Australia had been crying out for.

Mr Richards said 14,000 Australians died each year from physical inactivity, and congestion was “the worst it has ever been’’.

“Bikes can turn this crisis around and help develop healthy, smart, liveable communities,” Mr Richard said.

The move would get Australians off the couch, out of cars and create a nation of bike riders.