PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Mrs PHILLIPS (Gilmore) (16:56): I'm really pleased to second this private members' business motion in support of the Active Transport Fund because my electorate of Gilmore spans a 200-kilometre stretch of coastline on the New South Wales South Coast and is home to more than 180 towns and villages. Shared pathways are essential to link communities in the region, whether that's along the coast, through bushland or into our more rural areas.

Pathways improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and help create healthier, safer and more connected communities. In Gilmore, we're fortunate to have many proactive community groups that are leading the advocacy of these shared pathway projects in areas like Jamberoo, Mollymook, Bawley Point, Kings Point and Currarong. Recently I joined with the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities to celebrate the completion of the pathway that connects the two coastal villages.

It's a project that has taken decades and has been completed in stages, but the community pushed on because they knew how much it was needed. I joined with local families, kids and dogs to celebrate the culmination of an incredible community project. I congratulate and thank the people of Kioloa and Bawley Point for their determination and hard work.

I have thrown my support behind another local community group, who are working towards the construction of the 3C Connect Pathway to link the beachside villages of Culburra Beach, Currarong and Callala. This is such an important project for these small communities and the many visitors to the Jervis Bay region. I was saddened when the Jamberoo cycleway was shelved last year due to an inability to match funding from the state government.

This cycleway has been in the pipeline for two decades and will meander through rolling farmland, linking the rural township of Jamberoo with Kiama's network of paths as well. We need to help more communities with projects like this, which is why I welcome more funding flowing into them through the Active Transport Fund. With an ageing population in Gilmore, safe pathways are essential for walking to the shops, medical appointments or the local bowling club.

I've seen in my own village how shared pathways encourage our older residents to keep active. They also open up social opportunities for people that may be feeling lonely or isolated. At the other end of the scale, we have many young families that are encouraged to walk with prams or venture out with young kids on scooters or bikes to safely walk or ride to the local park, school or sporting fields.

The South Coast is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the provision of shared pathways encourages visitors to get out and explore our beautiful region. A walk to the local coffee shop, or cafe, supports our local economy, which relies heavily on the tourist dollar. There's nothing better than going for a morning or evening walk, which I often do with my dog, and seeing families with kids running and riding along pathways, couples walking hand in hand and people out running with their furry friends.

It's just really great to see people outdoors, breathing fresh air and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Covering three local government areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla, I know that new or improved footpaths and cycleways are at the top of the wish list for many communities, but council funding is limited. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is committed to improving road safety and fostering more connected, liveable communities, through continued investment in active transport infrastructure.

I'm pleased that the 2026-27 budget is delivering an additional $500 million in new funding for the Active Transport Fund, bringing the total investment in active transport infrastructure to $600 million, and $50 million will be made available each year for the next 10 years to support the construction of new and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure. This funding will support the construction and upgrade of shared paths and cycleways that connect schools, public transport hubs, activity centres and community facilities.

Active Transport Fund projects fit into this government's broader objectives of reducing transport emissions, improving public health outcomes and easing congestion. As an avid walker and cyclist, I really do welcome the funding increase, and I'm sure people in communities right across Australia will too.