23/03/2006 - A $3 million funding
boost from the Australian Government will encourage
communities and individuals to walk, cycle, use
public transport and limit the use of private vehicles,
not only to improve their health but reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
Announcing the funding, Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell said that over
three years more than 218,000 people in Western
Australia could receive information kits on alternative
travel options, cutting greenhouse gases by up to
371,000 tonnes.
“We expect this WA project will result in annual
savings of 15 million fewer car trips and 240 million
fewer car kilometres,” Senator Campbell said.
“Residents in the suburbs of Victoria Park, Canning,
Gosnells, Stirling, Vincent, Perth, Bassendean,
Swan, Melville, Rockingham and Mandurah will be
the first areas targeted to receive information
packs containing details of walking, cycling and
public transport choices available in their community.
“This project illustrates the Australian Government’s
commitment to developing effective programmes to
help everyone play a part in addressing climate
change.
“By reducing our reliance on cars and making small
changes in our transport choices we can all help
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the
quality of life for ourselves and our communities.
“This initiative will build on the results of TravelSmart
Household – a programme that promotes healthy, active
ways to travel – which has already delivered a 10
per cent reduction in car use across nine communities
in WA.”
The project is being funded under the Australian
Government’s Greenhouse Gas Abatement Programme,
a major initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It is a joint venture between the Australian Government
and Western Australian Government.
Senator Campbell said the Australian Government
was pleased to be working with the Western Australian
Government to promote better transport options which
will have environmental and health benefits.
Renae Stoikos (Senator Campbell's office) 02 6277
7640 or 0418 568 434
