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$6.2m for Parramatta bike links and vegetation

If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will invest $6.2 million in Parramatta to improve access and safety for people who ride and walk.

The latest Labor election commitment for people who ride was made today by the Shadow Minister for Transport Anthony Albanese MP, who was joined by the local member Julie Owens MP.

The multi-million dollar investment includes new connections and shared paths for bike riders and pedestrians, as well as improved public amenities and re-vegetation works along the Parramatta River.

$5.2 million in funding would be sourced from Labor’s $260 million National Bike Paths Strategy with $1 million coming from Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers Fund.

Other bike projects announced as part of Labor's $260 million National Bike Paths Strategy include funding for a 45km stretch of the Norther Rivers Rail Trail, a major bike corridor in Footscray, and the completion of a connection between the Upfield path and Cumberland Road in Pascoe Vale, Melbourne.

A boost of federal funding in Parramatta would fund projects outlined in the council’s existing bike plan including:

  • A new river level connection between Rangihou Reserve and Charles Street Weir with pedestrian connections to Macarthur Street and Stewart Street.
  • A new and upgraded shared path along the southern foreshore between Gasworks Bridge and Alfred Street to connect to the proposed new pedestrian and cyclist bridge.
  • The design of new walking and cycling paths from Mons Road to Parramatta Park along Toongabbie Creek.
  • A new shared path between Darcy Road and Mons Road along Toongabbie Creek.
  • An extension of the shared path along Finlaysons Creek between Darcy Road and Wentworth Avenue.
  • Extensive re-vegetation works along the path network.

Bicycle Network congratulates Labor on their commitment to making it easier, more accessible and safer for Australians of all ages and abilities to ride a bike.  With early voting now open, we look forward to hearing similar commitments from the Coalition and other parties. 

Bicycle Network is tracking the commitments made this election on our Federal Election website. See what's being promised, contact your candidates and make sure you're vote counts for bikes.