Active Transport Grants Program
The Active Transport Grants Program ('the program') supports Queensland councils to plan, design and construct high quality and safe active transport infrastructure on the local transport network.
Active transport refers to walking, bike riding and other physically active ways of travelling. This can be undertaken either alone or combined with passenger transport or other modes. Walking also includes jogging, running and moving with the help of a mobility aid such as a wheelchair.
The program supports councils with a funding contribution for projects that:
- improve active transport connectivity within, to and from, and between communities by providing safe, attractive, direct and continuous connections for people walking and riding bikes
- connect more people walking and riding bikes to key destinations, particularly in areas of high or growing demand, including:
- schools (existing or new primary and secondary schools and colleges)
- tertiary education (University, TAFE, training facilities, etc)
- hospitals/medical centres
- public transport stops and stations
- tourism attractions and precincts
- Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games transport hubs and supporting facilities such as Live Sites.
- deliver infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose for the location, demand and expected user type
- demonstrate project readiness and represent value for money.
While the use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) is not considered active transport, many of the infrastructure improvements that support walking and bike riding, such as connected paths, crossings and safer road environments, also support people using PMDs.
Eligibility
Queensland councils identified in the Local Government Directory can apply for funding grants from the program.
Funding is available under 2 streams:
Stream 1 – Project Development and Readiness
This stream supports the feasibility, investigation and development work needed to bring a proposed active transport project to a delivery-ready state. It equips councils to build a pipeline of well-scoped projects, each with a defined cost and timeframe, ready to seek delivery funding under Stream 2.
Stream 2 – Project Delivery
This stream supports ‘construction only’ and ‘design and construction’ project types. It equips councils to deliver new or upgraded active transport infrastructure to improve safety, accessibility and network connectivity.
Eligible projects are those that deliver outcomes for people walking and/or riding bikes and are located on
- a principal route identified in the Queensland Principal Cycle Network
- a route identified in an endorsed Walking Network Plan (WNP)
- an approved alternative alignment that delivers the same strategic network outcome.
The program guidelines provide further information on program and project eligibility, including infrastructure treatments and other activities that are ineligible for funding.
Funding contributions
For most councils, up to 50% program funding is available with councils expected to match the 50% contribution from the program. Council's funding contribution cannot be met from another Queensland Government department program but can be met through a grant or contribution from a non-Queensland Government funding program (for example, Australian Government).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and Very Remote Area councils
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and Very Remote Area councils are eligible to receive a 75% funding contribution from the program (requiring a minimum 25% contribution from councils).
These councils may use funding from other Queensland Government programs to meet their required contribution, unless prohibited by the other program’s own funding rules.
For all councils, in-kind contributions cannot be counted towards the required council contribution.
Refer to the program guidelines for further information on requirements for funding contributions.
2027–2028 funding round
The below table outlines key dates for applications for the 2027–28 program round.
Key dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 28 September 2026 |
| Applications close | 30 November 2026 |
| Application outcome notification | Estimated March 2027 |
| Successful projects expected to commence | From July 2027 |
All applications submitted by the closing date will be assessed against the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines. An application will not proceed to further assessment stages unless all eligibility requirements are met.
Program guidelines
Attachments to the program guidelines are available upon request via email to [email protected].
Related resources
- Queensland Principal Cycle Network, including network maps, Priority Route Maps and Priority Cycle Route Improvement Plan Guidelines.
- Walking Network Plans and Walking Network Planning Guidance.
- Information about other local, state and federal government funding sources available to grow Queensland’s bike riding network and deliver more walkable communities.
2026–2027 funding round – Grant recipients
Successful grant recipients for the 2026–27 funding round are listed below.
| Local government | Project | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns Regional Council | Ryan Weare Park (Kamerunga Road) to Redlynch Striker United Football Club (Brinsmead Road), construct shared path | $3,000,000 |
| Cassowary Coast Regional Council | McGowan Drive, Fitzgerald Esplanade to Owen Street, improve shared path | $5,916,530 |
| Central Highlands Regional Council | Egerton Street, Max Gorlick Drive, Capricorn Highway, Opal Street to Nogoa River, construct shared path | $818,250 |
| Ipswich City Council | Bremer Street, Bell Street to Ellenborough Street, construct shared path | $692,000 |
| Logan City Council | Armstrong Road, Loganlea Road to Evans Road, design and construct active transport improvements | $3,000,000 |
| Longreach Regional Council | Galah Street, Landsborough Highway to Longreach bus stop, design and construct pathway | $27,967 |
| Mackay Regional Council | Milton and Henman Street, Pratt Street to Black Street, design and construct shared path | $420,039 |
| Noosa Shire Council | Goodchap Road, near Heritage Drive to Noosa Hospital, design and construct active transport facilities | $215,000 |
| Rockhampton Regional Council | Graeme Acton Way, Hall Street to Rocky Sports Club, design and construct shared path | $333,359 |
| Sunshine Coast Regional Council | Palm Drive, Ocean View Avenue and Meta Street, Goonawarra Drive to Douglas Street, design and construct pathways | $615,710 |
More information
For more information about the Active Transport Grants Program, email: [email protected]
- Last updated
- 28 September 2026