Open letter to incoming NSW Government

Dear newly elected Ministers of the New South Wales Government,

Better Streets, would like to extend our congratulations on your recent election. We are thrilled to see such a diverse and talented group of individuals take on leadership roles in our government and look forward to working with you to improve the lives of our communities across the state.

As you begin your new roles, we at Better Streets would like to support you in creating safer, more climate friendly and accessible streets for everyone. We believe that by working together across the agencies, we can achieve this goal and make a real difference in the lives of the people of New South Wales.

To this end, we would like to offer some suggestions on how each of your portfolios could contribute to our vision of Better Streets:

For the Health Minister, we request recognition of the co-benefits of promoting active transportation such as walking and cycling. For every kilometre walked, there is a $5.95 health benefit and for every kilometre cycled, a $1.65 benefit. By co-funding behaviour change programs such as Active Travel to Schools with the Education Department, we can encourage more people to walk and cycle, thereby reducing long-term health costs.

For the Education Minister, we believe that setting lifelong healthy habits begins with children walking, riding, and scooting to school. We suggest co-funding an Active Travel to Schools Program with the Health Department to promote physical activity among children.

The Transport and Roads Ministers could fund an accelerated program of delivery for 2,560 crossings every year, 1,000 kilometres of safe and direct cycle routes, and 30 km/h local residential streets and urban centres. By doing so, we can create safer, more climate friendly and accessible streets for everyone.

The Planning Minister and Enterprise could work with Transport and Roads to support local businesses by funding streetscape upgrades that attract people to enjoy and linger. By doing so, we can improve the economic vitality of our communities while also making them more liveable.

Finally, we suggest that the Department of Premier and Cabinet ensure these agencies are working together by setting Premier’s Priorities that put liveability at the heart. By prioritising Better Streets, we can create a more liveable and vibrant state for all.

Once again, congratulations on your election, and we look forward to working with you to create Better Streets for everyone.

Sincerely,
Better Streets