The LeasePlan Western Bulldogs is one of three Footscray organisations to receive funding today through the Victorian Government’s TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program (LAAP) Grants.
The City of Maribyrnong, the Western Bulldogs, and Victoria University received $377,000 in grants to implement projects that encourage local residents to walk, cycle and catch public transport, Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas said.
“These grants will be used to fund a number of initiatives, including improved bike facilities, upgraded pedestrian pathways and research into travel behaviours,” Mr Pallas said.
Western Bulldogs Chief Operating Officer Robert Stubbs said the Club was delighted to receive the funding which would be directed towards creating community walkways and cycle paths at Whitten Oval.
“We are pleased to support the Victorian Government’s continuing involvement in getting more people out of their cars and use other transport options including walking and cycling,” he said.
“The Western Bulldogs dream of redeveloping Whitten Oval to a major community hub and elite sport environment is very quickly becoming a reality – and this funding will ensure that local access is improved and barriers to walking, cycling and public transport access can be eliminated.
As the community club of the AFL, we already play a strong part in Healthy People programs within the western region. Improving access for the community to Whitten Oval will further demonstrate our commitment to the western region,” he said.
Minister Pallas said key hubs for improvement include Victoria University, Whitten Oval, and the new residential development Banbury Village.
“By introducing a range of small improvements such as upgraded lighting, bicycle storage facilities and pedestrian pathways we believe we can make a big difference.
“All together, these projects will make Footscray a much easier place to get around.”
Mr Pallas said TravelSmart and LAAP grants were designed to assist local governments in implementing projects that encourage residents to think twice before using their car.
“There are tremendous benefits to be gained from walking and cycling – these modes of transport are better for the environment, better for our health and better for our hip pocket,” Mr Pallas said.
“Over 40 per cent of trips in the metropolitan area are less than 2km long, and almost two-thirds are less than 5 km long. Yet most people are using their cars for these short trips, contributing greatly to congestion and pollution.
These grants enable local groups to implement transport improvements that benefit our roads and our environment.”
The Footscray projects are among 11 projects included in the second round of TravelSmart and LAAP grants.
“Through these initiatives the Brumby Government has invested nearly $3 million in 2007/08 in projects to improve local transport options.
The push to get more people out of their cars and using other transport options is an important part of our $10.5 billion action plan Meeting our Transport Challenges and we are delighted to be able to support these innovative and practical projects,” Mr Pallas said.
