Better Streets Newsletter No. 22  |  January 2024

Hi ,

As the year opens, Better Streets looks back on a year where we gained new coalition members (105 and counting), friends and volunteers, joined influential forums and built ourselves a significant number of solid wins.

The coming year will see us grow further and leverage our collective expertise in state and local governments, and in local community action. In 2024, Better Streets will ride the wave of public concern with road safety and the urgent need to  improve  infrastructure and connect communities, engaging a widening circle of activists in making Australia safer, happier and more engaged.

Our achievements in advocacy in 2023

In New South Wales:

• $10 million state funding for active travel to and from school announced in 2023 funding round for local governments - link

• Improvements to the pedestrian crossing process - Councils can install crossings more easily - link 

• Presentation to NSW Parliamentary Friends for Active Transport alongside Committee for Sydney, Walk Sydney and 30 Please, together with visiting Professor Marco te Brömmelstroet 

• Invited as key stakeholder to Transport for NSW workshops on the Oxford Street cycleway, school travel workshops and e-mobility - link

• Recurring meetings with Minister for Transport Jo Haylen’s office - link 

• Meetings with Dr Marjorie O’Neil, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, and John Graham, Minister for Roads, Kobi Shetty MLC (member for Balmain) and engagement with outgoing Minister for Cities and Active Transport, Rob Stokes

• Supporting coalition members with Better Streets events and advocacy and action

At  the federal level:

• Presentation to Parliamentary Friends of Cycling in Canberra with AITPM CEO Kirsty Kelly, followed up by letters to

• Meetings with key staff from the Department of Infrastructure and the Office of the Minister, Katherine King MP  

• Meetings with the Federal Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender and the Member for Curtin, Kate Chaney 

In Victoria:

• A local chapter is starting up thanks to volunteers 

In communication efforts , we sent out 25 newsletters, over 8,000 emails (with a 60% open rate) to over 600 subscribers in our list.

Looking forward, defined projects for 2024

• Better Streets for Kids campaigns including learning materials for parents to promote active transport to school

• An increased presence with media outlets and journalists 

• Learning materials for councils to promote new and improved infrastructure, and community members to promote advocacy for measurable improvements to our streets and towns

• Position papers for each of our five recommendations 

• Establish charters in different states

• Launch our new brand identity and a refreshed website

We have enjoyed the ride so far and hope that you’ll jump on board for an exciting  2024 as we advocate together for better and better streets!

If you would like to get involved reach out to us on contact@betterstreets.org.au.

"As one full orbit of the sun hath waned,
A year of toil, of mirth, and meetings cast
Through ether's web, we've formed, we've strained, we've gained,
Champions for streets where future meets the past.

With aims as steadfast as the northern star,
We call for change in schoolways, paths, and towns.
To councils high and state's halls we spar,
With papers poised, we chase the dawdling crowns.

Yet, in our quest, red tape doth tie our hands,
Our roads, not wrought for those without a shield.
The NIMBY's cry, resisting change's bands,
Our earnest pleas, in bureaucratic field.

Yet, let us toast to years that come and go,
And bend the ears of powers, high and low."

Weekly get together

For those based in Sydney an in-person weekly get together to say hi, exchange ideas, keep track of our activities and keep motivating each other. BYO snacks.

Mondays - 6pm - The Strawberry Hills Hotel, 453 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills (near Central, map) upstairs (Accessible access available)

Online meet ups (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 12pm - 1pm AEST) - google link

Thank you for your unwavering support as we continue to create better streets for all!