FAQs

Council is developing an Active Transport Plan to enable more people to take up active travel. That means making it safer, more accessible, convenient and enjoyable to choose walking and cycling– whether for commuting, exercising or socialising. The aim of the ATP is to direct staging, investment and design of walking, cycling and shared pathways across the region

The development of the Snowy Monaro Active Transport Plan (ATP) was identified as a high priority in the Regional Trails Masterplan and the Recreation and Open Space Strategy. Our existing networks is not connected, safe or accessible in some area. Walking and bike riding is the most sustainable form of transport, contributing to great places, cleaner local environments, healthier lifestyles and provides economic benefits to local communities. 

A community that is less reliant on a vehicle for short trips aligns with current state government initiatives in both recreation and active transport planning

The ATP will guide decision-making for walking, cycling and other forms of active travel, including where to invest in infrastructure, how to make our shared path network more people-friendly and what kinds of support are needed to encourage behavior change. The Plan will assist with securing grant funding for construction.

There are several funding sources that Council can use to fund the construction of the priority projects identified in the plan. This includes: 

1. Grant funding- The NSW Government has prioritised funds for Councils to implement their Active Transport Plans. There is a budget of $60 million for the 2024/25 "Get NSW Active' program. The completion of this strategy is a requirement of the funding program. The ATP provides the data to support which projects are needed, where, why and how much. 

2. Development contributions- The Council collects contributions from developers to provide local infrastructure and facilities. This type of local infrastructure typically includes local roads, stormwater and drainage, shared pathways, parks and playgrounds or other recreational areas, environmental land and community facilities.

Contributions are levied through the development assessment process, enabling the Council to place a condition of consent on certain types of development requiring contributions.

This plan focuses on the gaps in the network. Therefore, additional infrastructure requires careful planning from the Council to determine where the budget will come from for long-term maintenance. 

Construction of the top 20 priority projects results in approximately 6km of new pathways. The annual maintenance costs are estimated at $301,682.  Council could consider several options to budget for asset renewal and maintenance. One of these options could include an increase in rates. A total estimate of 1.75% increase in rates would be required to cover the total annual maintenance costs. 

Sourcing additional funds for the maintenance and renewal of shared paths through a special rate increase is open for discussion and feedback throughout the ATP's exhibition period.