NSW Budget 2025–26: Still Missing the Mark on Walking & Cycling
The NSW Government’s 2025–26 Budget includes major investments in roads and intersections—such as $1 billion for the Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade and $156 million in joint federal–state road projects—which will primarily benefit motor vehicle users. However, when it comes to walking and cycling, the picture is starkly different.
Despite strong calls for active transport funding, spending in this area remains minimal—still less than 0.2% of total transport expenditure. That’s despite international evidence showing that every dollar invested in walking and cycling delivers a strong return in improved health, reduced emissions, and safer streets.
While the Budget did allocate $452 million for buses—a welcome boost—cyclists and pedestrians saw virtually no new funding for infrastructure. Key pedestrian and cycling projects, including the Oxford Street East cycleway, were again overlooked .
The NSW Active Transport “Get NSW Active” grant program—though valuable—continues to be chronically underfunded. Only 76 of 320 council applications were successful in the latest round, leaving many viable projects unfunded.
Conclusion: With growing community support for walking and cycling, and clear evidence of their benefits, the Budget’s heavy focus on motor roads at the expense of active transport is a missed opportunity. Better Streets will continue to advocate for a shift in priorities—aiming for dedicated, long-term investment that empowers NSW communities to walk, ride, and thrive.
