State Government slashes funds to ZERO dollars
The State Government may have abandoned active transport — but we haven’t.
The latest state budget shows the Liberals have completely cut funding for bike infrastructure projects beyond next year.
While $6.5 million had been allocated for cycling infrastructure in 2025–26, under the next three new financial years, funding was slashed to zero.
“We are not asking for new money,” said Bicycle Network Tasmania in today's Mercury article, “but rather a fairer share of the $1.6 billion budgeted for road projects over the next four years. Allocating just $2 million a year to cycling grants would still leave $1.592 billion for roads.”
This lack of commitment sends a chilling message to councils and communities: you’re on your own. But without state government support, local councils can rarely afford critical parts of the cycling networks, so safer infrastructure will simply not be built.
The Better Active Transport grants have supported essential local cycling links in recent years, including the Whitewater Creek underpass and Spreyton Connector path.
Hobart City Councillor Ryan Posselt put it clearly:
“We know the benefits of active transport — it decreases congestion, improves population health and returns positive economic outcomes, so it’s bizarre to see a state budget with not a single dollar allocated to active transport in this state beyond 2026.”
Meanwhile current projects like the Algona Road roundabout, Bridgewater Bridge, and South Arm Highway continue to be delivered without basic walking and cycling infrastructure.
Even small, proven programs that are getting more people riding — like the “Back on Your Bike” adult education initiative — are being left behind. Its funding ends this month, with no path forward from the state.
As Bicycle Network writes:
“In 2025 we shouldn’t be having to argue with the government to provide safe places to ride and walk, according to its own policy these should be part and parcel of the project’s design.”
Dr Anna Johnson, a spokesperson for Streets People Love Hobart was quoted in Sunday's Mercury: “Tasmanians of all ages deserve to be able to move around their cities safely on foot or on bicycle, thereby improving their own health and contributing to a vibrant and healthy culture"
We urge candidates in this state election to commit to restoring annual active transport funding and uphold the strategies made in the Greater Hobart Cycling Strategy, the State Government's Walk, Wheel, Ride strategy and State Government's road Operation Plan.
Party Promises for the July 2025 election are currently documented here by Bicycle Network.
