Published on:
Tuesday, 27 January, 2026_jpg_1280_300.webp)
On Sunday, 25 January WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP spoke to The Sunday Times, outlining important measures required to assist Local Governments deliver more active transport infrastructure, interventions, and supporting initiatives around schools.
These important initiatives captured in WALGA’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission, would deliver critical outcomes including safer school precincts that support and encourage children to walk and cycle, promotion of active and healthy lifestyles and neighbourhood liveability. WALGA is asking the State Government for $4 million in funding.
President Karen Chappel reiterated the need for safer pedestrian infrastructure around school catchments.
“Footpaths have got to be safe and there’s got to be shared paths,” she said. “There needs to be correct signage (so) everybody clearly understands that this is a cycle way or clearly understands there’s a footpath or crosswalk.
“We want children to be active, we want them to be independent, and to do all that, we have to make it a safe environment.”
A DOT spokesperson said the State Government was committed to improving walking and cycling infrastructure, adding it had already invested over $1.4m into the Connecting Schools Grant.
Read the full Sunday Times story here.
Check out WALGA's 2026/27 State Budget Submission.
