The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has successfully secured $315,000 over two years to design and build a cycling loop around the Kununurra town centre.

As part of the annual Western Australian Bicycle Network (WABN) grants scheme, the State Government provides grant funding assistance to local government authorities for the planning, design and construction of bicycle infrastructure.

Shire Director Planning and Community Development, Nick Kearns said the path provides an important connection to schools, health facilities and Aboriginal communities.

“There are no alternate transport options for the school children and workers to reach these locations other than to cycle on the road.

“This path will form part of the Kununurra Shared Path network forming a loop path around the town”, he said.

The shared path builds on the existing network and will link the places that the community highlighted during the Strategic Community Plan consultation.

“Feedback from the community is that parents are reluctant to allow their children to cycle to school due to safety concerns with lack of a safe cycle path,” Mr Kearns said.

The Kununurra Shared Path will create a circular shared path looping around the town, linking strategic destinations with residential areas.

Shire President Cr David Menzel said the shared path along Ironwood Drive to Chestnut Avenue will not only improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists accessing schools but also support families without access to motorised transport.

“The path will also improve access for people with disabilities and users of mobility scooters and provide an important connection to schools, health facilities and Aboriginal communities.

“The Shire is now working to promote the use of the shared path and has invited user groups highlighted as strategic destinations to work with the Shire to develop and implement an activation plan,” Cr Menzel said.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said that across the board there are huge benefits in allowing Western Australians to more easily ride their bikes.

"These grants support local governments to deliver high-quality, continuous and safe cycling infrastructure that is connected to local amenities and integrated with public transport providing opportunities for those who want to ride their bike for leisure or as part of their daily commute.

"The grants program is just one of many ways we are working collaboratively with local governments to enhance recreational, commuter and tourism cycling experiences for residents and visitors to the State,” Ms Saffioti said.

The Western Australian Bicycle Network (WABN) Grants Program is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government.

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James (Your Move)

Hi Chris - and welcome back to 2020 (and 2019!!). It is great to see the Shire back on YM. Your new shared path loop looks like a wise investment in the Kununara transport system. Make sure you keep us up to date with this project and especially don't forget to post a story on the launch event for the path - as that will earn you You Move points. Make sure you also keep us posted on any other active travel events or promotions the shire gets involved in. See you soon I hope!

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