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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-11-12 Daily Xml
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Answers to Questions

World Car Free Day

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (23 September 2020).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has advised:

World Car Free Day is recognised on 22 September each year, intended to promote reduced dependency on car travel and climate sustainability by focusing on alternate travel options including active travel, cycling and walking, and public transport.

The state government takes a longer term strategic view to reducing car dependency by supporting continued improvements and investment in public transport, cycling and walking for its economic, environmental, health and social benefits.

Increasing public transport patronage is the cornerstone of significant investment in the state's public transport network in recent years. This investment has included projects to electrify and extend existing rail lines and reinvigorate the bus network.

Recent examples include:

The $615 million investment to electrify the Gawler rail line;

The $141 million Flinders Link Project extending the Tonsley rail line to the Flinders Medical Centre;

Trials of on-demand bus services in the Barossa and Mt Barker; and

Driverless vehicle trials conducted by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) Future Mobility Lab.

A new government climate change strategy, due for completion in summer 2020-21, will set out further practical actions that will help build a strong, climate smart economy, further reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions, and support South Australia to adapt to a changing climate.

On 17 September 2020, the state government released the report 'South Australia's Climate Change Challenges and Opportunities' from Australia's most respected climate economist, Professor Ross Garnaut. Professor Garnaut identifies several opportunities for South Australia, including the electrification of transport. The electrification of the Gawler rail line will deliver an electrified network through Adelaide from Gawler to Seaford.

Major projects delivered by DIT have a heavy focus on active travel options with the inclusion of shared use paths and public realm multi-use spaces into planning, design and delivery whenever practicable.

In addition to infrastructure incorporated into major project capital spending the state government will have invested more than $30 million in the seven years to 30 June 2021 on standalone cycling and walking infrastructure.

Active travel and environmentally sustainable messaging, travel options, initiatives and programs are regularly promoted by the state government, its agencies and stakeholders.

Efforts detailed demonstrate the state government's commitment to the principles of World Car Free Day and come 22 September 2021 there may well be further announcements that can be made. Notwithstanding the state government encourage all agencies to promote their efforts and events at all times.

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