Mike O'Connor
Applications open tomorrow (August 1) for the Federal Government’s $500 million Active Transport Fund, with $90.2 million available for walking and cycling projects in the 2026-27 financial year.
The fund supports the construction of new and upgraded bike paths and walking infrastructure, with the aim of improving road safety, reducing transport emissions and creating more active, liveable communities.
The latest round follows huge demand for the inaugural program, where the original $100 million allocation attracted more than $430 million in applications from councils and state governments across Australia.
Eligible applicants include local councils and state and territory governments, with grants of up to $5 million available per project. As with last year, applicants are required to provide matching funding.
A new addition to the 2026 guidelines is a requirement for projects to consider the Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling, reinforcing a focus on best-practice infrastructure.
Advocacy body WeRide Australia welcomed the new announcement, saying the fund is helping communities build safer, healthier and more connected places to ride and walk.
“We congratulate the Minister once again on an outstandingly successful program that provides options for local trips that save money, provide greater physical and mental health benefits, and help remove congestion from roads,” the organisation said.
You can see the guidelines here.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
