[Peakoil] Sustainable transport contribution fund to be examined

[Alex P]

A rather good idea.


Alex P
O4O4873828

ACT Peak Oil
http://act-peakoil.org

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Sustainable transport contribution fund to be examined

 

The introduction of a sustainable transport contribution fund will be
examined as one of the initiatives of the Draft ACT Parking Strategy,
Planning Minister Simon Corbell announced today.

 

“The fund would allow developers to voluntarily contribute cash instead of
providing onsite parking spaces,” Mr Corbell said.

 

 “This recognises that sometimes the required number of parks cannot be
built onsite because, for example, of soil and infrastructure constraints,
or that it would be preferable to limit the amount of parking with projects
involving historic buildings because it would compromise their character.

 

“This is not a get-out-of-parking option for developers, but rather an
alternative that recognises that rather than the community being left with
reduced parking spaces, the contributions to the fund could be used to build
car parking structures at other locations, establish shuttle bus services or
install real time transit information systems.

 

“The fund could also be used to upgrade security lighting, install new LED
traffic signals, improve pathways and access to parking areas, improve or
provide additional bus shelters and build or maintain cycle paths and other
cycling support facilities.

 

“With limited availability of land, small block sizes and existing buildings
can often make the supply of parking difficult, the fund would allow
developers to make voluntary financial contributions instead of providing up
to 50 per cent of the required on-site parking spaces. 

 

“As well as the fund being used for transport improvements and community
benefits, this is also good for reducing construction costs and encouraging
investment.

 

“It will mean that existing parking facilities will be more fully used,
transport accessibility to centres can be enhanced and better urban design
can be created with continuous shopfronts that are uninterrupted by parking
areas.”

 

The Draft ACT Parking Strategy is available for public comment until Monday
30 April 2007. Copies of the Draft Strategy can be obtained from ACT
Planning and Land Authority’s Customer Service Centre, 16 Challis Street,
Dickson, or online at the Authority’s website at www.actpla.act.gov.au.

 

 

Statement Ends/ 1st March 2007

Media Contact:   Monika Boogs      6205 0497(w) 0419 423 603(m)       
monika.boogs at act.gov.au