Michael Crutchfield

Party: Labor

I live in city/suburb: Belmont

My commitment: The Brumby Labor Government is making the largest investment in cycling in the State’s history. Our $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy was launched in early 2009 – complementing the Government’s $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan – and commits to short, medium and long-term projects, with priority on delivering an improved network of bicycle facilities within 10km of the CBD, the new public bike hire scheme and improving cycling networks in Central Activities Districts and regional centres. The cycling strategy outlines the delivery of a better cycling network, promoting a culture of cycling, reducing conflicts between cyclists and other road users, and better integrating cycling with public transport and land use planning. A key element of our cycling plan is to develop bicycle infrastructure as part of major public transport and road projects. Guidelines are now in place and will ensure the needs of cyclists will always be considered as part of the planning, design and construction of projects, such as Peninsula Link, the South Morang Rail Extension and the Regional Rail Link. Over time, trails along major roads and rail lines can be used to provide arterial commuting routes linking bicycle networks and connecting communities across the State. A future Brumby Labor Government will continue its record investment in cycling because we understand how important it is to provide sustainable and accessible travel options for all Victorians. Please find (Ed: below) some of my media releases detailing cycling works that have taken place in my electorate. Yours sincerely, MICHAEL CRUTCHFIELD MP State Member for South Barwon Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Water October 26, 2010 CYCLISTS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW BIKE PATH A new $500,160 cycling pathway will ensure cyclists can pedal safely between Torquay and Barwon Heads, State Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield announced today. The project, which includes the development of a four metre wide sealed asphalt bicycle path that extends for just over two kilometres, will provide a safe and accessible connection for cyclists to a number of popular trails and local destinations. “As part of the Greater Geelong Cycle Strategy, we want Geelong to be recognised as one of Australia’s premier cycling cities with an interconnected on and off road bicycle network that provides safe and attractive access to all parts of the region,” Mr Crutchfield said. “Geelong and surrounding towns like Breamlea are developing improved cycling paths and facilities to enhance this reputation and to attract more cycling tourists to Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.” The cycling connection will provide a link between two highly used on-road cycling routes on Torquay Road (between Breamlea Road and Blackrock Road) and provide additional links to the Bellarine Rail Trail and the Surf Coast Walk. Mr Crutchfield said the project will also provide linkages for the future development of the Barwon River Trails and parklands, and the Queenscliff–Barwon Heads Coastal Trail. “This new bike trail will provide clear and safe connections between townships and other trails for both cyclists and pedestrians. “The Barwon South West Regional Trails Master Plan identifies economic tourism benefits associated with cycling trails including jobs during construction phase, facilities that will encourage visitors to stay longer, trail based events and competitions, and economic benefits for local businesses. “Further funding of $333,440 from the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Water has been confirmed for the project which will include pavement works, signage and re-engineering of the existing road. “The $500,160 project is expected to be completed in March 2012.” Mr Crutchfield said the $166,720 funding for the project was provided by the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Small Towns Development Fund which helps Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure. “The $43 million development fund is an important component of the Victorian Government’s Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria. “Launched in June, Ready for Tomorrow is the Government’s $631 million policy to generate new opportunities and build a prosperous and sustainable future for regional and rural Victoria. XXXXXXXX Geelong’s first purpose built cycling criterium is now open. The new Geelong Cycling Criterium Track, located at Belmont Common, means cyclists can now train and compete in a car-free environment. City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell and Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield officially opened the criterium track on Wednesday night. The opening event also included a race by Geelong West Cycling Club and Geelong Veterans Cycling Club as well as a community barbecue. The one-way criterium track has an asphalt finish and is approximately 2.8 kilometres in length and five metres in width. The course can broken up into three separate loops so that competitions can be held on one or two sections while the remaining section(s) can be left open for public use. This also means Belmont Common can continue to host the popular Sunday market. “I’m thrilled that Geelong now has its own purpose built cycling criterium – and just in time for the UCI Road World Championships,” City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell said. “Geelong has a strong cycling community and the new criterium provides a safe area where cyclists can race and train away from cars.” State Member for South Barwon and part-time cyclist, Michael Crutchfield said the growth of the sport had warranted such a facility and today’s opening builds on the Brumby Government’s commitment to elite cycling, with Geelong hosting the 2010 UCI Roads World Championships. “The Brumby Labor Government contributed $500,000 in funding for Stage 1 of the regional criterium track which will be a major hub for cycling activity and will be known as the Home of Cycling in the region,” Mr Crutchfield said. “Facilities such as this play an important role in bringing communities closer together and that’s why this criterium circuit is so important. “Cycling is one of this region’s most popular sports and today’s opening is a terrific win for our community, and one which can only increase cycling’s popularity.” Cr Bruce Harwood, who represents Belmont, said participation in cycling is booming. “Cycling is one of the fastest growing participation sports in Australia. The criterium is certain to get plenty of use by cyclists of all abilities – from those keen for a casual ride to those taking part in race competitions. And it’s been designed so that this can happen simultaneously.” The City of Greater Geelong provided $1 million to the project and the State Government contributed $500,000. XXXXXXXXXX Monday, 15 March, 2010 NEW SHARED PATH TO BENEFIT GEELONG RESIDENTS A new $500,000 walking and cycling shared path is now open in the Geelong area, connecting pedestrians and cyclists in Highton and Wandana Heights to key locations in Waurn Ponds. Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas officially opened the shared path today with Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield and said the new track would encourage sustainable transport use for local residents. “The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system and we understand how important providing walking and cycling infrastructure is to providing Victorians with sustainable and accessible travel options,” Mr Pallas said. “In addition to the recreational benefits, this wonderful two kilometre path will give locals access to educational institutions such as Deakin University, Marcus Oldham and Christian College as well as the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, Bunnings and the Waurn Ponds Plaza. “Infrastructure like this shared path aims to further encourage people to embrace an active lifestyle, which not only benefits their health and fitness, but also our environment. “It will also provide cyclists and pedestrians who live in the Geelong region a more appealing, safe opportunity to get active in their community and use alternative modes of transport to get about.” Mr Crutchfield said the new path was a great result for Geelong and would be well-used by the local community. “This wonderful new path will share the name Ted Wilson Trail with the 12 kilometre path opened as part of the Geelong Ring Road in December 2008, and I am sure it will be equally popular with the local community,” he said. “We’re listening to the Geelong community, and taking action to improve their quality of life.” In addition to the path constructed as part of the Geelong Ring Road, VicRoads is working with the City of Greater Geelong and developers in the Fyansford and Highton areas to ensure similar pedestrian and cycling provisions are available between Corio and Waurn Ponds. The new $500,000 path provides a connection between Barrabool Road and Pigdons Road and incorporates the section of Wandana Drive west of the Ring Road, which is already used by local residents for recreation and amenity.

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