Active transport & Public Transport

I support improvements in active and public transport. Residents are calling for alternative ways to get to their desired destination. Everyone who drives in traffic, is the traffic. We need an increase in safe footpaths and bike networks as well as a more frequent and reliable public transport system.

There are many local and state roads within Division 9 that would benefit from a pedestrian pathway.  Funding for local pathways is currently not sufficient to make much headway.  So while I would be looking for efficiencies within the budget, I would also look to prioritising funding to address necessary infrastructure.

Pathways that I have delivered in Division 9 have typically been focused around connectivity to schools, daycares and bus stops.

I have been working on a key connector pathway from Peregian Breeze to Peregian Beach (David Low Way), along Emu Mtn Road. Negotiations have progressed with Noosa Council to build the path on their land as it is the side that would offer the greatest safety, and with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) as Emu Mtn Rd and the connection to David Low Way are state roads. A grant application has been submitted to partially fund this crucial pathway and we will find out if we are successful mid-year.

Many community groups have made submissions about pathways along state roads including a parallel pathway with the Sunshine Motorway upgrade, an east-west pathway along David Low Way from Pacific Paradise to Bli Bli, and calls to upgrade the Bli Bli bridge. These submissions have all been reinforced in communications between myself and TMR.

Public Transport is typically managed by the state, however I have been working closely with TMR for improvements in public transport in Division 9.  An extended route was put in place for the Bli Bli (Parklakes) area.  TMR have undertaken consultation on public transport for the northern area and I continue to pass on requests and ideas from residents and from myself.