Walking Local Government Grants
The Queensland Government is committed to achieving the Queensland Walking Strategy 2019-2029 vision of making walking an easy choice for everyone every day.
Whether you are on foot, moving with a mobility device, or pushing a child in a pram, walking and exercising is an important part of life for everyone.
More people will be active when everyday destinations are connected by comfortable, direct, safe and accessible routes.
About the program
To achieve this vision, the Walking Local Government Grants program has been developed to assist local government to prepare walking network plans and deliver walking infrastructure.
From 2025–26 a new category has been added to support the delivery of infrastructure through design and construction projects identified in the walking network plans to improve walking environments state–wide.
Projects are jointly funded between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and individual councils. Councils can only match Transport and Main Roads funding with other Queensland Government program funding if the project is delivered within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.
Types of funding
Walking network plans (planning)
- Planning grants focus on preparing walking network plans, generally up to a 2km catchment of a primary destination such as town centre, school, public transport station or high order stop, park or other leisure facility.
- Walking plans will identify actions and a pipeline of projects to implement accessible, safe, comfortable, attractive and direct waling routes.
- Note: The department's guidance has been updated to reflect user experience in Queensland. The guidance applies to a wider range of projects than previously referenced.
Infrastructure delivery (design and construction or construction only)
- Infrastructure grants focus on delivering infrastructure identified in a priority location on a primary route/s in a local government endorsed walking network plan.
- Improves the walking network to and from public transport stations (including long distance bus, coach and train stops).
- Adds value to any existing walking network by, for example, filling path gaps or creating safe crossings.
- Note: Funding is available for design and construction or construction only projects.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Very Remote Area Councils Grants
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and very remote local government areas of Queensland are eligible to receive up to 75% grant funding for planning and infrastructure delivery projects
- In this case the regional classification of 'Very Remote' is as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics. See Program guidelines, Appendix A for full list of eligible Councils.
How to apply
Eligible local governments can apply for state–matched funding through an annual application process.
To request an application form email: TMR.Walking.Grants@tmr.qld.gov.au. An application form will be emailed to you when the program opens.
Before applying you need to review:
- grant guidelines - outlining requirements and criteria
- Department of Transport and Main Roads' walking network planning guidance
Timeframes
2025–2026 program
- Applications open: 8 July 2024
- Applications close: 30 September 2024
- Councils informed of application outcomes — January/February 2025
2024-2025 Grant Recipients
Successful grant recipients for the 2024-2025 funding round are listed below.
| Council | Project Name | Total Estimated Project Cost | Queensland Government Contribution | Local Government Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balonne Shire Council | St Patricks Primary School | $25,000 | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| Brisbane City Council | Bowen Hills/Herston Precinct | $80,000 | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Brisbane City Council | Cannon Hill Plaza and Interchange | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Croydon Shire Council | Croydon Town Centre | $9,185 | $4,593 | $4,593 |
| Gold Coast City Council | Burleigh Green Space | $45,455 | $22,727 | $22,727 |
| Goondiwindi Regional Council | Texas Central Business District | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Goondiwindi Regional Council | Inglewood Central Business District | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council | Hope Vale Campus | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Livingstone Shire Council | Taranganba State Primary School | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Livingstone Shire Council | Keppel Sands Post Office & Store | $30,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Sunshine Coast Regional Council | Caloundra City Centre | $36,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Sunshine Coast Regional Council | Mooloolaba Town Centre | $36,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Toowoomba Regional Council | Pittsworth Town Centre | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Toowoomba Regional Council | Westbrook Activity Centre | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Weipa Town Authority | Heritage Shopping Centre | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Winton Shire Council | Winton Town Centre | $50,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Useful resources
- Active Transport Investment Program Technical Guidance—detailed information on the technical standards for this program.
- Walking Network Plans—endorsed plans published by TMR.
- Walking Network Planning Guidance—can be used to guide planning for all stages in the project lifecycle up to.
- Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program—for further information on the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program available to local governments.
More information
For more information about the Walking Local Government Grants email: TMR.Walking.Grants@tmr.qld.gov.au.
Read more about other local, state and federal government funding sources available to deliver more walkable communities.
- Last updated 17 July 2024