Broome benefits from Country Pathways Program

14/7/05
Broome's walking and cycling pathway network will be expanded following the Gallop Government's Country Pathways Program allocation of more than $39,000 to the Shire of Broome.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the program had been responsible for the construction of hundreds of kilometres of shared-use pathways, delivering real benefits for regional communities.
"In Broome, the latest round of funds will see construction of a pathway along the northern side of Frederick Street from the intersection of Broome Highway to a crossing point near the Broome High School," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The 750m pathway addresses a serious safety issue for people, including tourists, who leave Chinatown but are unable to cross the increasingly busy street to use the pathway on the southern side."
Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said the funding boost would encourage more people to walk and cycle around the town.
"The project is an integral part of the pathway plan for the town and will benefit locals and the region's growing number of visitors," Mrs Martin said.
Ms MacTiernan said the program had been very successful in expanding the shared-use path network in regional centres.
"Working in partnership with local government authorities, the program fosters the development of safe links between local facilities for pedestrians and the disabled and also provides additional recreational opportunities, particularly for cyclists," she said.
"Country Pathways is one way we are improving the lifestyle of regional residents by investing in community infrastructure."
The program is administered by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and funding is granted on a 'dollar-for-dollar' basis for both the planning and development of shared-use pathways.
The department convenes regionally-based committees to assess applications and a central review committee then allocates funds.
The Minister said recent changes to the application forms used by local authorities in the submission process had resulted in more defined information about each project - making it easier to rate, assess and, where appropriate, allocate funds.
"This year, a total of 83 applications for funding were received from local authorities -indicating the success of the program and reinforcing there is a need for this type of infrastructure in regional centres," she said.
Other successful applicants will be announced during the next few weeks.
More than $8.85million has been distributed through the Country Pathways Program.
Minister's office: 9213 6400