Apply Now: Active Transport Grants Program (Australia)

The Active Transport Grants Program, offered by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, supports Queensland councils to plan, design, and construct high-quality, safe active transport infrastructure on the local transport network. The program focuses on walking and bike riding connectivity to key destinations, including schools, hospitals, public transport, and tourism areas. Applications for the 2027–28 funding round open on 30  September 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Programme name: Active Transport Grants Program (“the program”)

- Funding provider: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland Government)

- Applicant type: Queensland councils (eligible local governments listed in the Local Government Directory)

- Primary focus: Feasibility/development and construction of walking and bike riding infrastructure

- Funding streams:

- Stream 1: Project Development and Readiness

- Stream 2: Project Delivery

- Eligible locations: Projects located on Queensland cycling/walking network routes or approved alternative alignments (principal cycle network, endorsed Walking Network Plans, or approved alternatives)

- Application deadline (2027–28 round): 30 November 2026 (time zone and time not specified in the source)

- Estimated outcome notification: March 2027 (estimated)

- Expected project commencement: From July 2027 (successful projects)

About the Opportunity

The Active Transport Grants Program supports Queensland councils with a funding contribution to bring active transport projects to planning and delivery stages. “Active transport” includes walking (including jogging, running, and movement with a mobility aid such as a wheelchair) and bike riding, either alone or combined with passenger transport or other modes. The program supports projects that improve active transport connectivity within, to, from, and between communities through safe, attractive, direct, and continuous connections for people walking and riding bikes. It also supports infrastructure improvements that can be used by people with personal mobility devices (PMDs), even though PMDs are not considered active transport under the program. Funding and Benefits The program provides councils with a funding contribution. The source describes contribution rates by council type:

- Most councils: Up to 50% program funding, with councils expected to match the 50% contribution from the program.

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and Very Remote Area councils: Up to 75% program funding, requiring a minimum 25% council contribution. Funding contribution rules include the following key points: - Council matching cannot be met from another Queensland Government department program. - Council contributions can be met through a grant or contribution from a non-Queensland Government funding program (e.g., Australian Government), unless prohibited by that program’s funding rules. - In-kind contributions cannot be counted toward the required council contribution. - Further restrictions and requirements are described in the program guidelines (DOCX, 426KB). The attachment is not reproduced in the source text. The program is delivered through two streams that correspond to different stages of project readiness and delivery: - Stream 1 (Project Development and Readiness): supports feasibility, investigation, and development work to reach a delivery-ready state (building a pipeline of well-scoped projects with defined costs and timeframes for later delivery funding).

- Stream 2 (Project Delivery): supports construction only, and design and construction project types.

Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants - Queensland councils identified in the Local Government Directory can apply.

Not specified in the source:

- Whether councils outside the directory, state agencies, or non-government organisations are eligible (the source specifically states “Queensland councils” identified in the Local Government Directory can apply). Eligible projects and locations Eligible projects (relevant to both streams as described) must deliver outcomes for people walking and/or riding bikes and be located on one of the following: - A principal route identified in the Queensland Principal Cycle Network, or - A route identified in an endorsed Walking Network Plan (WNP), or - An approved alternative alignment that delivers the same strategic network outcome. Ineligible elements The source states that the program guidelines provide further information on eligibility, including infrastructure treatments and other activities that are ineligible for funding. However, specific ineligible items are not listed in the provided article text. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The program supports infrastructure activities that: - Improve active transport connectivity within, to, from, and between communities using 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 (including 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. The source also notes that while PMDs are not considered active transport, many infrastructure improvements that support walking and bike riding (such as connected paths, crossings, and safer road environments) also support PMD users. Why This Opportunity Matters This grant program is designed for local delivery of safer walking and bike riding networks by supporting both early projec