John Bowler

John Bowler

Former Minister for Local Government; Employment Protection; Racing and Gaming; Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern

Further grants announced in 10th year of Country Pathways Grant Scheme

1/08/2005 12:00 AM
 
1/8/05

Western Australia’s growing network of paths for walking and cycling will be significantly expanded in regional areas following the allocation of more than $650,000 in State Government grants.

Announcing the latest round of grants from the successful Country Pathways Grant Scheme (CPGS) today, acting Planning and Infrastructure Minister John Bowler said 26 projects from Broome in the Kimberley to Gnowangerup in the Great Southern had been allocated funding.

Mr Bowler said the scheme, now in its 10th year and responsible for the construction of hundreds of kilometres of shared-use pathways, delivered real benefits for people living in regional areas.

“The aim of the scheme is to expand the path network in regional centres - significantly increasing the safety of pedestrians and the disabled accessing facilities in a town and also providing additional recreational opportunities for residents,” the Minister said.

“Working in partnership with local government authorities, the scheme delivers paths that are well located and well constructed, and ensures that regional WA receives its fair share of funding.”

Only two local authorities in the State received the maximum allocation of $50,000: the Shire of Roebourne, for a priority pathway linking the suburbs of Baynton and Nickol in Karratha and providing safer access for students from Tambrey Primary School and St Luke’s College; and the City of Geraldton, for the construction of a pathway along the city’s foreshore.

Funding is granted on a ‘dollar-for-dollar’ basis for both the planning and development of shared-use pathways.

“This year a total of 83 applications for funding were received from local authorities - indicating the success of the scheme and reinforcing there is a need for this type of infrastructure in regional centres,” Mr Bowler said.

Over the past 10 years, the State Government has allocated a total of more than $8.5million as part of the Country Pathways Grant Scheme, significantly boosting the network of shared use pathways throughout regional WA.

Click on PDF icon below to view funding details.

Minister's office: 9213 6400