Ministerial Statement: Cairns CBD Cycleway nearing completion

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
29/04/2011

Cairns CBD Cycleway nearing completion

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today said local residents would soon experience the benefits of Cairns' first major cycleway when the Cairns to Aeroglen Cycleway opens to the community in June this year.

"It's exciting to see the extra value this project will add to the community in terms of providing new travel options, creating healthier lifestyle options and enhancing the foreshore of this beautiful city," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Local businesses on this route are also set to benefit with more than 35 per cent of Cairns businesses accessible from this corridor. Tourists to the area will have a new way to travel through the city and seethe sites, and locals will have a new option for commuting into and around the city each day."

Ms Palaszczuk said that when completed in June, the new six kilometre cycleway would run from the Aeroglen Drive/Whitfield intersection through Saltwater Creek, Lake Street and The Esplanade and on to the CBD.

The cycleway is the first major project to be delivered in co-operation with Cairns Regional Council, which contributed 25 per cent of the overall $6.1 million in funding, as part of the Far North Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan.

Cairns Mayor Cr Val Schier said the cycleway would be a boost for both local residents and visitors to the area.

"This cycleway will link a number of major destinations including the hospital, recreational facilities, shops, cafés and restaurants, providing easy access to some of our most popular spots," Cr Schier said.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the project would encourage the community to get fit and healthy while taking more cars off the road and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The aim of this cycleway is to encourage people of all ages to get on a bike instead of driving. It boasts Copenhagen style lanes along sections of The Esplanade and provides substantial four metre wide off-road facilities in other sections," Ms Boyle said.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the opening of the new cycleway was being eagerly anticipated by the local community.

"This is an iconic cycleway infrastructure project and we hope it's the first of many to follow for Cairns and Far North Queensland," Mr Wettenhall said.

The project's final design has incorporated a number of techniques to improve safety including raised medians and bollards, warning signs and cycle crossing signals at intersections.

"As our road network becomes busier, it's important we provide safe environments for cyclists," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"That is why the government is developing Principal Cycle Network Plans for all major cities in Queensland in close consultation with local government and community groups."

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[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
26/06/2011

$6.1m cycleway opens in Cairns

Cairns residents were out in force today for the official opening of the $6.1 million world-class cycleway from Aeroglen to Cairns CBD.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Cairns Regional Council Mayor Val Schier were on hand to officially open the jointly funded project and kick off the opening celebrations which included a community ride, BBQ, children's competitions and entertainment on the Esplanade.

Minister Palaszczuk said the project was the first of its kind to be rolled out under the Queensland Government's Far North Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan.

"Today we have officially opened an iconic piece of cycling infrastructure that is set to transform how Cairns residents and visitors travel around this beautiful city," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"This new 6km, 3 to 4 metre wide cycleway begins at Aeroglen Drive/Whitfield intersection and travels via Saltwater Creek, Lake Street and the Esplanade to the CBD linking to a number of major destinations including the hospital, recreational facilities, shops, cafés, restaurants and the CBD.

"The Cairns community can now boast a multi-million dollar world-class cycleway to its already impressive list of tourist attractions."

The cycleway was jointly funded by the Queensland Government ($4.6m) and Cairns Regional Council ($1.5m).

Cr Schier thanked the Queensland Government for its contribution to the project.

"Many of the world's great cities are bicycle-friendly and our network incorporates Copenhagen-style lanes along sections of the Esplanade and provides substantial, three to four-metre wide off-road facilities in other sections," Cr Schier said.

"Promoting healthy and sustainable activities has always been a priority for this Council and to be officially opening this network as part of the Sustainable Living Expo highlights that commitment.

"These cycleways make it easier and more attractive for people to get out of their cars and really take in our city's natural features, while improving their own health and wellbeing.

"I'm an avid cyclist and have already tried out most sections of the cycleway - as have many others, to rave reviews.

"I'm sure all local cycling enthusiasts look forward to the continued transformation of our city's cycling routes but there are still further improvements to be made including an onroad link and parking improvements on the Esplanade between Smith St and the hospital."

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall encouraged locals to make use of the new cycleway.

"Whether you're a keen cyclist or a just starting out with training wheels, I encourage everyone to have a go and experience a ride on this multi-million dollar cycleway."