An integrated transport strategy to ease traffic congestion could soon be a reality in the Southern Highlands.
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Seed funding of up to $280,000 has been provided for an integrated transport strategy that includes public transport, community transport, walking, cycling and private vehicles.
The funding was announced in the quarterly budget papers at the February 16 Ordinary Meeting of Council.
According to the budget papers, the transport plan would provide a strategic framework for transport-related decision-making and advocacy to improve the shire's transport and planning services.
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A Wingecarribee Shire spokesperson said the integrated transport strategy was about identifying and planning for transport infrastructure.
"It includes projects such as the Moss Vale Bypass project while providing a transport infrastructure framework for new living areas," they said.
Community advocate for the integrated transport strategy Rachel Russell said she was delighted by the announcement.
"I cannot emphasise enough how critical such a strategy will be to ensuring we retain some quality of life in the Highlands, managing traffic congestion and parking issues, our health and safety, and supporting our small business communities," she said.
"If you pop 'Integrated Transport Strategy' into a search engine you find out just how much catch up we need to do in this area compared to other Local Government Areas.
"This is the start of implementing best practice strategic transport planning for our future."
Ms Russell said it was an example of the council and the community working together.
"The message from our community has been loud and clear: we want safe and accessible connected footpaths, separated cycle paths and better transport options as a whole," she said.
"I would like to acknowledge the work of staff in the council who have been supporting this, in particular, Michael Park and Geoff King who I know have been driving this outcome.
"I wait with anticipation to see how this will be developed and implemented."
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