Council policies support active transport

The City of Yarra has adopted multiple strategies, policies and plans that support walking, cycling, public transport, trees, and place making:

Social Justice Charter

Notably, in 2020, the City of Yarra adopted a social justice charter, which positions the principles of social justice (access, equity, rights and participation) above the Council Plan and all other strategies, policies and plans.

Image credit: City of Yarra
Image credit: City of Yarra Social Justice Charter

Alignment with state government policies

Council policies align with multiple state government acts, policies and strategies which also support active transport:

National and international policies

Council policies also align with national and international strategies and plans:

Image credit: City of Yarra Safe Travel Strategy

Our view

Multiple local, state and federal government policies support safe and active transport, reflecting broad community support. The key barrier to delivering equitable and socially just streets (where people of all ages and abilities can move safely around Yarra, regardless of whether they choose to walk, roll on a wheelchair, cycle, use public transport or drive) is the fiscal imbalance between local and state/federal governments (where local government spends money on safer roads, but state & federal governments benefit from lower population health costs), together with the lack of trials that would enable traders to see for themselves that they would be better off with the changes.

How you can help

You can help by appearing on the Streets Alive Yarra website as a champion for your local street, neighbourhood, or school.

Let’s build a beautiful, liveable and accessible city