COMMUNITY FIRST TEAM

TRANSPORT POLICY

"From Bikes to Buses, from Trains to Tunnels, From Roads to Footpaths, From Potholes to Parking"

Introduction
Responsibility for transport matters is shared between Federal (air transport, National highways), State (highways,railways, main roads, traffic regulations and policing) and Local Government (local roads, advocacy on behalf of community in Federal and State forums).

Local Government has responsibility for construction and maintenance of many roads which form the fabric of our city transport. However, as elected representatives of the local community, Cairns City Council has an important advocacy role to promote local community transport needs.

POLICY
Preamble
Community First recognises the critically important role of transport to the residents, and visitors to Cairns. Further, we recognise that the decades ahead promise big changes in the affordability and technology of transport and planning for the future was critically important.

Community First will rise to the challenge of actively developing and promoting a comprehensive transport strategy for the whole of the city of Cairns. The strategic directions outlined in the Far North Queensland 2010 Regional Plan will be supported and promoted. Specific proposals will be the subject of consultation with the community.

We recognise the diversity of community transport needs, as well as economic constraints, and will promote transport policies that recognise this.

We also recognise the environment, social and economic benefits of progressively reducing dependancy on private car transport.

Policies
Community First, if elected to Cairns City Council, will:

1. Community Consultation
Facilitate on-going Consultation with the Community on changing transport needs and performance of existing transport and transport infrastructure.

2. Integrated transport
Participate in development of a Comprehensive and Integrated Transport strategy for Cairns which will best serve the future needs of residents and visitors alike.

3. FNQ 2010
Support and implement the results of the FNQ 2010 Regional Planning process, transport strategies in particular.

4. Commuter rail
Promote early establishment of a park-and-ride Commuter Rail Service between Gordonvale and Redlynch via the City, utilising existing rail infrastructure.

5. Long distance bus station
Promote establishment of a new Long-distance Bus Station in the CBD with maximum integration with existing and proposed transport infrastructure and services.

6. Sunbus contract renewal
Seek State Government commitment to effective community consultation during review of the Sunbus contract in mid 2000.
Take an active role in the review of the Sunbus contract to maximise benefits to the community, especially those that are disadvantaged by location.

7. Southern Cairns priority
Promote high priority implementation of outcomes of the Southern Cairns Transport Study. In particular, promote immediate relief measures on sections of the Bruce Highway between Edmonton and Cairns.

8. Kuranda tunnel preference
Promote the long-tunnel option as the preferred option for the Kuranda Range section of the Kennedy Highway road upgrade to the Tablelands.

9. City Circle Bus
Promote introduction of a CBD City Circle bus linking the Esplanade, Central/Railway, Bus Stations and major commuter and visitor attractions in the CBD.

10. Bikeways
Commit to an on-going program of bikeway and bike route construction and integrate such program into all relevant roadworks and other civil works.

In consultation with bike users, review the existing Bikeway Strategy.

Promote real increase in the level of bicycle use, especially by commuters.

In consultation with Queensland Police, promote bicycle user safety.

11. Pedestrian ways
Commit to maintaining a system of pedestrian ways and footpaths to service local communitieis and visitors.

12. Cairns Plan
Incorporate the core components of this policy in the new Cairns Plan strategic plan.