Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Tasmania hits jackpot with federal funding

12 November 2009. Northern Tasmania was the primary recipient of $2.2 million in funding from the National Bike Paths Program. Large contributions were made available from the federal government's Jobs Fund to help build the Burnie Coastal Pathway (from Cooee to Emu River - $969,400 federal contribution), and to continue the development of Launceston's bike path network ($576,650).

Interestingly, the Burnie Coastal Pathway will make up part of the Tasmanian Green party's election committment to build a 150km separated, off-road shared trail between Devonport and Smithton. Bicycle Network Victoria met with the Greens in late October to discuss the proposal.

Bicycle Network Victoria also met with state government representatives, including the Senior Advisor to the Minister of Sport and Recreation to discuss development of potential rail trails and other recreational facilities in Tasmania. Discussions were productive and will hopefully lead to some tangible outcomes.

One project raised with the Government was the development of a Rail Trail between Lilydale and Scottsdale in the state's northeast. This route would be an ideal diversion for recreational and tourist riders in the area who currently have to ride on busy and fast roadways.

There could also be potential to take this trail into Launceston and link up with the major population centre there. This project has not received any funding, and is still in very early concept form, but it bears watching.

Some recreational projects that did receive funding from the Bike Path program are already underway. $206,031 was made available to extend the Hobart Intercity Cycleway from its current terminus and to connect it to the renowned Cadbury factory in the area. Work has already begun.