Tuesday, 7 April 2026
The Austroads Board has confirmed the establishment of a new Public and Active Transport Task Force, strengthening Australasian collaboration to deliver better public transport, and active transport outcomes across Australia and New Zealand.
The Task Force will bring together Austroads members and the Public Transport Association Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ) to support more integrated, safe and sustainable transport systems. It recognises the critical role public and active transport play in creating safe, sustainable, and connected communities.
Australian and New Zealand governments have committed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and carbon emissions. Prime Minster Albanese has encouraged Australians to ‘switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work’ (1st April 2026). The Australian Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan promotes an “avoid-shift-improve” approach, including shifting travel to more sustainable transport modes like active and public transport.
The new Austroads Task Force will promote and oversee projects that improve how public transport and active transport is planned, delivered, operated and integrated within broader transport and land-use systems. It will also serve as a coordinated forum within Austroads to strengthen alignment between public and active transport, and wider transport system priorities.
Approved as a two-year pilot, the Task Force held its first meeting on 2 April 2026.
Austroads Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Allan, welcomed the Board’s decision, and highlighted the importance of collaboration and national consistency.
“Most journeys start with walking. At Austroads we understand the value of active transport and the role it plays in safer, healthier and more sustainable mobility,” Dr Allan said. “Our members are focused on improving transport outcomes, and recognise that public transport is integral for better mobility – and reduced fossil fuel dependence’.
Geoff Allan added “National collaboration builds capability and reduces duplication across jurisdictions. By working together, Austroads can help lift mobility and choice for all, whether travelling for work, education or social purposes, or by tram, bus, private car, bicycle, cargo bike, therapeutic mobility device, or even an e-scooter”.
The Public and Active Transport Task Force will build on the strong foundations laid by organisations, such as Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ) and the Public Transport Association Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ).
The new Task Force will operate within Austroads’ Transport Network Operations program.
Program Manager, Amy Naulls, said the Task Force would elevate the role of public and active transport in Austroads research and guidance.
“This Task Force will help Austroads provide a more complete picture of collaboration opportunities to improve transport choices for users. It will strengthen our ability to deliver practical, nationally consistent guidance that supports better outcomes for communities”.
Amy Naulls added: “We’ll tackle the tough questions – how to plan for the needs of all transport users, how to balance conflicting priorities, and how to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. We’ll build on recent Austroads research, including the Travel to School Guideline, to deliver insights that are practical and immediately useful for industry and the community ”.
During its pilot phase, the Task Force will be expected to:
- promote and oversee projects that support better public transport, walking and cycling
- strengthen links between public and active transport and broader transport system priorities
- provide a coordinated, national forum within Austroads for public and active transport matters
As a pilot initiative, the Task Force’s scope, terms of reference and ongoing role will continue to be refined in consultation with member agencies and key stakeholders.
Further updates will be provided as the Austroads Public and Active Transport Task Force's work progresses. Work will be published on the Public and Active Travel landing page.