Minns government announces $50m for new bike lanes, paths across regional NSW, Western Sydney

Western Sydney suburbs and bush communities will score brand new paths and bike lanes, with the Minns government wheeling out $50 million for new projects. See what’s in store for your area.

A new 850m footpath costing $1.25m will be built to connect the town to the lighthouse in Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Boss

Western Sydney suburbs and bush communities will score brand new paths and bike lanes, with the Minns government wheeling out a $50 million cash splash to keep commuters connected.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal $21.5m will be spent to build 23 new footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian bridges across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bourke and Wagga Wagga.

Transport options in Western Sydney will also receive a major facelift, with $14m being split across 16 projects in eight councils under the Get NSW Active program.

The remaining $14m will go towards upgrades across Sydney’s inner and outer suburbs.

It comes after missing links such as “ghost paths” that lead nowhere, dangerous intersections and unsafe pavement were making it harder for families to access parks, schools and public transport.

The targeted investment will aim to encourage people to walk and ride across their local area rather than getting behind the wheel, in a bid to help communities become more active.

Under the plans, Harris Park residents in the City of Parramatta will receive a permanent cycleway on Wigram St alongside new pedestrian crossings and an upgraded shared path for $3.2m.

Flood-weary Lismore residents can look forward to plans for a $2.4m “Lismore Boulevard” linking the CBD to local health, transport and recreational areas.

Nearby, $1.25m has been allocated to build an 850m footpath in Byron Bay to connect the town to its iconic lighthouse, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye welcomed the announcement, saying the community had wanted the new path for a “long time”.

“This is an incredibly popular walk for locals and visitors alike, but it’s a heavily trafficked area, very environmentally sensitive, and at the moment it’s quite dangerous and challenging,” she said.

“It’s fantastic it will be more accessible and safer … by widening the pathway and with the higher volume of people using electric bikes, this will get them off narrow footpaths and make it more (enjoyable) for everyone.”

Transport Minister John Graham said the investment would help fill similar gaps in accessibility and liveability across the state where existing infrastructure has fallen short.

Bike lanes will be made permanent and connected across Harris Park. Picture: City of Parramatta Council

“Everyone deserves travel options that are free, safe and healthy and this (will get) people out from behind the wheel of the car and walking or riding across their neighbourhoods to connect with friends, family or to public transport,” he said.

Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the state-funded projects, which will be delivered by local councils, will make a big difference to “dozens of regional communities”.

Originally published as Minns government announces $50m for new bike lanes, paths across regional NSW, Western Sydney