Active Transport Fund opens for applications
Applications are now open for the Australian Government’s $500 million Active Transport Fund, creating a significant opportunity to deliver safer and better-connected walking and cycling infrastructure across the country.
State and territory governments and local councils can apply for up to $5 million for eligible projects, with a funding co-contribution required. Projects must involve the construction or upgrade of a walking or cycling path on, or associated with, a public road.
The fund will provide $500 million over the next 10 years, with investment front-loaded to maximise its early impact. This includes $90.2 million in 2026–27, $75.3 million in 2027–28 and $68.8 million in 2028–29.
A major opportunity for Canberra
For the ACT, this funding presents an important opportunity to accelerate the delivery of safe, direct and connected cycling routes.
Pedal Power encourages the ACT Government to put forward ambitious projects that address missing links, improve safety and make riding a practical transport option for more Canberrans.
The demand for this investment is clear. The 2024–25 funding round received approximately $430 million in applications despite having only $100 million available. Projects supported through that round included new and upgraded cycleways and shared paths in Sydney, Melbourne, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Stronger national design standards
The fund aims to improve road safety, reduce transport emissions and create more active and liveable communities.
A new requirement for this round is that project designs must consider the Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A. This provides national guidance for the design of walking and cycling infrastructure and should help lift the quality and consistency of projects delivered across Australia.
Safe infrastructure must be designed for people of different ages, abilities and levels of riding confidence. Meeting strong design standards is essential if new projects are to encourage more people to choose active transport.
The Australian Government has published the full Active Transport Fund guidelines.
Applications close at 5 pm AEST on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
More information is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts website.
