Tasmanian Liberals criticised for ‘bizarre’ move to slash funding for cycling infrastructure
Cycling advocates have heavily criticised the state Liberal government for attempting to slash funding support for cycling infrastructure, labelling the move “bizarre”.
Tasmania
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Cycling advocates have hit out at the state Liberals’ “bizarre” decision to completely cut funding for bike infrastructure projects beyond next year.
In the most recent state budget, which did not pass parliament before Premier Jeremy Rockliff called an election this month, $1.5m was allocated to cycling infrastructure in 2025-26 but the funding over the next three financial years was slashed to zero.
It comes after Transport Minister Eric Abetz withdrew $170,000 of state funding for the two-year trial of separated bike lanes on Collins St, citing “overwhelming” community opposition to the project.
The trial has gone ahead regardless, with the Hobart City Council opting to foot the bill in its entirety.
Bicycle Network Tasmania public affairs manager Alison Hetherington has called on local bike riders to lobby state election candidates to support public investment in cycling infrastructure.
“We want to see annual funding to keep the Better Active Transport grants going,” she said.
“We are not asking for new money but rather a fairer share of the $1.6bn budgeted for road projects over the next four years. Allocating just $2m a year to cycling grants would still leave $1.592bn for roads.”
Hobart City Council transport spokesman Ryan Posselt said investing in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure led to public health and economic benefits and the next government of Tasmania should commit “no less” than 1 per cent of the annual roads budget to active transport into the future.
“This will provide all councils with funding certainty to plan, design and deliver active transport choice all over Tasmania. It would result in significantly enhanced infrastructure for all Tasmanians to enjoy,” he said.
“We know the benefits of active transport, it decreases congestion, improves population health and returns positive economic outcomes, so it is bizarre to see a state budget with not a single dollar allocated to active transport in this state beyond 2026.”
Dr Anna Johnston, a spokeswoman for the Streets People Love Hobart group, which advocates for superior active transport infrastructure, said progress to create a connected network of safe cycling trails had “stalled due to dwindling government investment”.
“Tasmanians of all ages deserve to be able to move around their cities safely on foot or a bicycle, thereby improving their own health and contributing to a vibrant and healthy culture,” she said.
Mr Abetz said the government had invested more than $35m in improving cycling safety and infrastructure across the state.
“We encourage the Bicycle Network to continue to engage with government and apply for future grants they may be eligible for,” he said.
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