A community push for a much-wanted bike path from Ferny Grove to Samford Village has won funding in the 2011-12 State Budget.
Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson said ‘community pedal-power’ had secured the funding commitment from the State Government with this week’s 2011-12 State Budget announcement.
The State Government has allocated funding of up to $1 million for planning and detailed design work for a bike path between Samford and Ferny Grove.
“The call was strong from the community, and it is certainly great news for local cyclists, families and other recreational users,” Mr Wilson said.
“The announcement is particularly timely given the planned upgrade of bike facilities at the Ferny Grove Railway Station next year which will include increased bike storage, a new bike cage, and shower and toilet facilities for cyclists,” Mr Wilson said.
“A bike path between Samford Village and the Ferny Grove Railway Station will provide another travel option for Samford Valley commuters,” Mr Wilson said
“I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Cr Bob Millar and his Moreton Bay Regional Council over the next twelve months to provide sustainable transport and recreational opportunities for local residents.
Cr Millar said that he welcomed this announcement by the State Government as Council was also committed to commence planning a cycle access to Ferny Grove station in 2011/12 and had previously made representations regarding end of trip facilities at Ferny Grove Station.
“When completed, this project will deliver a much sought after piece of transport infrastructure for recreational and commuting cyclists alike and I look forward to continuing to work with Geoff Wilson to bring this exciting project to life,” Cr Millar said.
“Construction will commence next financial year to bring this bike path to fruition, and I am very pleased to see initial funding for planning locked into this budget,” Mr Wilson said.