Town council candidates Colin Furphy (at right in the photo) and Edan Baxter, who describe themselves as the underdogs in the poll, have teamed up to call for commitment to increasing investment in bike lanes and pathways.
Says Mr Furphy: “I believe that maintaining and growing Alice Spring’s bike pathway network is just one of the simple things that council can do to improve the transport friendliness of a town like Alice.
“I’d like to see a dedicated line in the budget for ongoing bicycle path maintenance, and another pool of funds dedicated to investment in new bicycle infrastructure that has been identified as being of high strategic value.
“Alice Springs is a fantastic “bike tourism” destination with premier events like the Ingerreke Commercial Mountain Bike Enduro, and we have so many nearby tourism destinations that are easily accessible by bike,” says Mr Furphy.
“Let’s grow this reputation and support the infrastructure that keeps this reputation strong. The whole community benefits in so many ways.”
Says Mr Baxter: “Most people I speak to are suffering from election fatigue and have had enough election hoo-ha for one year.
“I’d simply say to people: this is the last election until 2016 – so there is a good opportunity on Saturday 23rd to learn more about candidates who don’t have the big profiles and get some fresh thinking into council.
“Use your vote to support the underdogs who are passionate about making Alice Springs a better place to live, work and play. I’m here today to support Colin.
“Good bike infrastructure and planning is a no-brainer for a town like Alice. The whole town should get behind common-sense idea like this one – regardless of who wins at the by-election.”
PHOTO (provided by the candidates): The candidates in an area of town they say could be part of bike lane improvements, with a long term view to joining all suburbs in town.
Sunday, November 17, 2024
The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide – Chicago Tribune.
Alice Springs Bicycle Planning Study (1998) – http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/37890937?q&versionId=49995807
If either of you get elected, and I agree it’s a long shot, the test of your bicycle path initiative will be to get Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority to stop doing a Charles de Gaulle at the base of Meyers Hill. Good luck with that.
Thanks Anonymous. Good find and yes I am conscious there have been many reports and consultations into bike pathways and related infrastructure over the years.
In fact, just prior to the election of the 12th Council there had been an ASTC and NTG consultation into bike-path networks.
I guess the perpetual challenge for all of us who want to see quality achievements in each term of Council is to find the things we can agree on – and make those things happen.
I do like to think that the value of connecting-up the suburbs of Alice Springs with quality bike paths is one of those things.
Hal – In relation to cycling, I’m prepared to bet you that if Council were to identify, say 20 bike-pathway improvements in this town, the vast majority of them would be absolutely fine.
On the few occasions where bike paths were deemed not possible, (i.e. following an AAPA clearance), cyclists could just continue to go “the long way round” as they are currently doing.
As for equating AAPA with De Gaulle? Ha! Nah. Sorry Hal – there are many things I will be doing over the next week but I just don’t have time to take a full bite of that one!
I’d be happy to share my thoughts about the Sacred Sites Act (37 years on) another time – but only in the context of the broader – Australian – history of which it is part. Metaphors are no problem but for future reference I prefer the folkloric kind – much less prone to us ending up with unreconcileable perspectives among other things!
Cycling infrastructure is a solid platform to base a campaign upon. The real plus for Alice Springs is it is mostly flat which makes cycling the perfect fit for transport choice.
Hopefully the community will be interested enough in the ideas of these two to invest a little time and explore what these two candidates have to offer.
Ultimately a broader range of policies will be required (if elected) to become effective councilors however, this is a great start.
More cycling results in people friendly CBDs and removes cars off the road. The benefits to the commuinity are endless.
They range from safer roads to major savings to council, not to mention the health benefits and flow on benefits from healthier people. Good luck.
Hi Peter – I’m not Colin’s campaign manager by any means but I urge you to look into Colin’s other policies. He has some good ones.
As for myself, please do check out my writings on the National Broadband Network (NBN) and the various opportunities for Alice Springs at a local level. I believe some ICT knowledge would be a valuable addition to the current Council at this critical time for the ICT economy in our region.
As for bike-paths – it’s pleasing to note that 4 of the 5 candidates have made public commitments to the importance of improved bike-pathway infrastructure.
That’s a good thing for everyone, regardless of who wins on Saturday.
This article suggests that Mr Furphy is / was a resident of Tennant Creek during 2013: http://www.tennantcreektimes.com.au/story/1957898/tennant-trio-sets-goal-for-everest-hike/?cs=1513