Supporting councils to plan walkable places

Action 1.3, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Complete

Provide grant funding to councils to prepare Walking Network Plans that identify primary routes and potential projects that will improve walkability on the local government transport network. Plans will focus on destinations such as public transport stations, schools and town centres.

Overview

In 2022, the Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded its first Walking Local Government Grants to plan more walkable communities. The grants assisted 24 local governments to develop walking network plans and priority works programs in 49 diverse locations across the state.

Achievements

Department of Transport and Main Roads established Walking Local Government Grants (the grants) to assist local governments develop walking network plans and priority works programs. 

The plans identify preferred walking routes up to 2km around key destinations such as schools, public transport, hospitals, shops, and town centres. In the first round of the program, 49 grants were awarded to 24 local governments in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas. Many more applications were received than could be funded in the first round, highlighting the importance of walking for Queenslanders and the growing demand for walking network planning across the state.

The plans are being used by local governments to guide their expenditure of footpath funding and as a basis for seeking grant funding for more substantial improvements.

Both Department of Transport and Main Roads and local governments can use the plans to incorporate identified walking requirements into other projects.

Next steps

In response to the growing demand for improved walking infrastructure, Department of Transport and Main Roads has delivered a second round of grants for 2023–24, supporting a further 16 local governments to prepare walking network plans and priority works programs for 26 Queensland towns.

More information

Find out more about Department of Transport and Main Roads Walking Local Government Grants. 

View a list of the successful 2022–2023 grant recipients.