A council request for a Green Travel Plan (GTP) can feel like a significant and complex hurdle in your development application process. The requirements are often ambiguous, and the risk of omitting a critical component-potentially delaying your entire DA approval-is a major concern for developers. Navigating this bureaucratic process requires a clear understanding of how to prepare a Green Travel Plan that is both effective and compliant. It is a crucial step to ensure your project progresses without unnecessary and costly traffic-related setbacks.
This step-by-step guide demystifies the process, providing a direct framework for developers. We will detail the essential components, acceptable sustainable travel measures, and the specific documentation councils expect to see in a professional submission. Following this guide will provide you with a comprehensive checklist and the technical confidence to produce a robust GTP. The objective is to ensure your document satisfies all requirements, mitigates traffic-related concerns, and facilitates a smoother path to DA approval.
Key Takeaways
-
A Green Travel Plan is a mandatory report with specific structural requirements; failing to meet them can jeopardise your Development Application (DA) approval.
-
This guide details how to prepare a Green Travel Plan by following a logical, data-first process that strengthens its defensibility with council.
-
Identify the correct combination of physical infrastructure (‘hard’ measures) and behavioural initiatives (‘soft’ measures) for your specific development.
-
Councils can easily identify generic or template-based plans, making professional transport planning consultation essential for a compliant submission.
Table of Contents
What is a Green Travel Plan (GTP) and Why is it Required?
A Green Travel Plan (GTP), also known as a Workplace Travel Plan, is a strategic document designed to promote and facilitate sustainable transport options for a new development. Its primary purpose within a Development Application (DA) is to manage the transport demands generated by a site, aiming to mitigate the traffic impact on the surrounding road network. Fundamentally, a GTP provides a framework of measures to encourage staff, residents, and visitors to choose alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel. For a foundational understanding of the concept, a helpful resource explains in detail What is a Travel Plan?, a term often used interchangeably in planning contexts.
In the Australian planning system, a GTP is frequently mandated by local councils as a condition of consent for medium to large-scale projects. It serves as a formal commitment from the developer to manage the site’s transport footprint. Understanding this requirement is the first critical step for developers learning how to prepare a Green Travel Plan that satisfies council regulations and contributes positively to the local community.
The Key Objectives of a GTP
A professionally prepared GTP is structured to achieve several specific, measurable outcomes for a development. The core objectives include:
-
Reduce traffic congestion on the local and arterial road network by lowering the number of private vehicle trips.
-
Minimise demand for car parking, both on-site and on surrounding streets, which can reduce construction costs and land use intensity.
-
Improve local air quality and reduce the development’s overall carbon emissions by promoting low-emission transport modes.
-
Promote healthier lifestyles and community well-being by encouraging active transport such as walking and cycling.
GTP vs. Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA): What’s the Difference?
While both documents are critical components of a DA, a GTP and a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) serve distinct functions. A TIA is an analytical report that assesses existing traffic conditions and forecasts the potential traffic impact of the proposed development. In essence, the TIA identifies and quantifies the problem. The GTP, in contrast, is the strategic response-it proposes specific measures and initiatives to manage and reduce that identified impact. They are complementary reports that work in conjunction to provide council with a complete picture of traffic generation, its effects, and the proposed mitigation strategy.
The Core Components: Anatomy of a Council-Compliant GTP
A Green Travel Plan (GTP) is a structured report with specific, required sections. Its primary goal is to present a clear, logical, and actionable strategy to local councils. Consider it the business plan for your development’s transport management. Following a standard structure is critical; it ensures all key information is included and demonstrates a professional, thorough approach to your application. Understanding this framework is fundamental to knowing how to prepare a Green Travel Plan that satisfies regulatory requirements and achieves its sustainability objectives.
Our extensive experience in preparing successful GTPs across Australia informs this best-practice structure, which aligns with typical council expectations.
Introduction and Site Audit
This foundational section establishes the context. It must clearly describe the proposed development, including its size, land use, and precise location. We then conduct a comprehensive audit of existing transport infrastructure, detailing the proximity and accessibility of bus stops, train stations, and cycle paths. This analysis establishes a baseline understanding of the site’s connectivity and current travel behaviours, forming the basis for all subsequent recommendations.
Objectives and Targets
Here, we define the overarching goals of the GTP. These objectives are then translated into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets. A clear target provides a benchmark for success and demonstrates commitment to the plan’s outcomes. Vague aspirations are insufficient; a council will expect a concrete target, such as:
- "Achieve a 10% reduction in single-occupant vehicle trips to the site within two years of full occupancy."
Proposed Measures and Initiatives
This is the core of the plan, detailing the specific actions that will be taken to achieve the stated targets. Measures must be tangible and well-defined, addressing a range of transport modes. Common initiatives include:
-
Walking & Cycling: Provision of secure bicycle parking, end-of-trip facilities (showers, lockers), and clear wayfinding signage.
-
Public Transport: Displaying real-time transit information and providing welcome packs with local transport details.
-
Vehicle Use: Allocating dedicated bays for carpooling or car-share services and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Implementation and Monitoring Plan
A plan is only effective if it is executed and measured. This final section outlines the practicalities of delivery. It assigns responsibility by nominating a Travel Plan Coordinator (TPC) and sets a clear timeline for implementing each initiative. Crucially, it details how progress will be monitored-typically via annual travel surveys-and specifies the frequency of reporting to the relevant authorities or building management to ensure ongoing compliance and accountability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Green Travel Plan
A successful Green Travel Plan (GTP) is not a theoretical document; it is a practical roadmap built on a foundation of solid data and clear objectives. The quality of your preparation directly dictates the success of your Development Application (DA). Following a logical process is central to how to prepare a Green Travel Plan that is robust, defensible, and meets council expectations. The methodology is clear: start with data collection before proposing solutions and engage with stakeholders early where possible.
Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Baseline Assessment
The foundation of any effective GTP is a comprehensive understanding of the existing transport environment. This assessment provides the evidence base for your proposed targets and measures. Key tasks include:
-
Mapping all nearby public transport services-bus, train, and ferry-and documenting their routes and frequencies.
-
Assessing the quality, connectivity, and safety of local walking and cycling routes, noting footpaths, crossings, and dedicated cycleways.
-
Identifying the opportunities (e.g., proximity to a major transit hub) and constraints (e.g., poor street lighting, steep topography) of the site’s specific location.
Utilise tools such as Google Maps, state transport authority websites, council planning documents, and essential on-site inspections to gather this critical data.
Step 2: Define Your SMART Targets
Based on your baseline assessment, you can establish realistic and defensible mode shift targets. These targets must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). They should be tailored to the development type-a commercial office will have different travel patterns and potential for mode shift than a residential apartment complex. Crucially, your targets must align with the strategic goals outlined in local council transport and sustainability policies. Examples include aiming for a specific percentage of staff to commute via public transport or setting a target for bicycle parking utilisation.
Step 3: Select and Detail Your Measures
Measures are the specific initiatives you will implement to achieve your targets. It is not enough to list generic actions; you must provide sufficient detail for the council to understand precisely what you will deliver. For instance, instead of stating "provide bicycle parking," your plan should specify: "Install 20 Class 2 bicycle racks compliant with Australian Standard AS 2890.3 in a secure, well-lit, and undercover location on the ground floor." This level of detail demonstrates commitment and facilitates compliance monitoring. For detailed examples of successful measures from past projects, refer to our older articles.
Practical Measures to Include in Your Development’s GTP
A successful Green Travel Plan (GTP) is not a one-size-fits-all document. The optimal mix of initiatives depends on your development’s specific location, scale, and the travel behaviours of its end-users. A comprehensive approach, combining physical infrastructure (‘hard’ measures) with informational and behavioural programs (‘soft’ measures), is essential for gaining council approval. Understanding this balance is a critical step in learning how to prepare a Green Travel Plan that is both effective and compliant.
Below are common and effective initiatives that demonstrate a robust commitment to sustainable transport outcomes.
Promoting Active Transport (Walking and Cycling)
Encouraging walking and cycling reduces local traffic congestion and promotes community health. Key measures include:
-
High-Quality Bicycle Parking: Installation of secure, accessible, and weather-protected bicycle parking for both staff and visitors, compliant with relevant Australian Standards.
-
End-of-Trip (EOT) Facilities: Providing dedicated showers, changing rooms, and personal lockers to support cyclists and pedestrians.
-
Pedestrian Connectivity: Ensuring safe, well-lit pedestrian pathways and clear wayfinding signage throughout the site.
-
Local Route Information: Supplying site maps that clearly display local walking and cycling routes to nearby amenities and transport nodes.
Encouraging Public Transport Use
Maximising the use of existing public transport services is a primary objective of any GTP. This can be achieved through:
-
Real-Time Information: Displaying live public transport arrival and departure times on screens in lobbies or common areas.
-
Welcome Packs: Providing new residents or commercial tenants with a comprehensive welcome pack containing local public transport maps, timetables, and ticketing information.
-
Travel Pass Incentives: Negotiating with transport providers for bulk-purchased or discounted travel passes for building occupants, where feasible.
-
Safe Access: Auditing and ensuring pedestrian access to nearby bus stops, train stations, or ferry wharves is direct, safe, and well-lit.
Managing Car Use
While accommodating vehicles is necessary, a GTP must include measures to manage private car dependency. Effective strategies include:
-
Car Share Integration: Allocating dedicated, clearly marked parking bays for car share services (e.g., GoGet, Flexicar).
-
Carpooling Incentives: Implementing a carpool matching service for tenants or offering priority parking spaces for vehicles with multiple occupants.
-
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: Installing EV charging stations to support the transition to low-emission vehicles.
-
Parking Unbundling: Separating the cost of a car parking space from the lease or purchase price of a property, creating a direct financial incentive to reduce car ownership.
Developing the right combination of these measures for your project requires professional assessment. For expert assistance in preparing a GTP tailored to your development’s specific needs, contact the experienced consultants at ML Traffic Engineers.
Why Expert Assistance is Crucial for a Compliant GTP
A Green Travel Plan (GTP) is a technical document, not a simple checklist. Preparing one without specialist knowledge in transport planning often results in a generic plan that fails to meet specific council requirements. Councils review dozens of these documents and can easily identify a poorly researched or template-based submission, which almost guarantees delays in your Development Application (DA) process.
An incomplete or non-compliant GTP is one of the most common reasons for costly project setbacks. A professional traffic consultant ensures the plan submitted is robust, realistic, and ultimately, approvable.
Navigating Council-Specific Requirements
Each local council across Australia has unique requirements outlined in their Development Control Plans (DCPs). What satisfies one council may be deemed insufficient by another. A specialist traffic consultant understands these local nuances and knows which sustainable transport measures each council prioritises. We ensure your plan is not just compliant, but strategically aligned with local government transport strategies, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainable outcomes. Learn more about our company’s expertise in navigating these complex frameworks.
Achieving Cost-Effective and Practical Outcomes
Engaging an expert is an investment in efficiency. The key to knowing how to prepare a Green Travel Plan is not to propose the most expensive measures, but the most effective ones. We focus on recommending practical initiatives-such as specific end-of-trip facilities or targeted public transport information-that are cost-effective and genuinely suited to your development. A professionally prepared, realistic GTP adds significant credibility to your entire DA, showing council your project has been thoroughly considered. Explore our full range of traffic engineering services for developers.
Ensuring a Smooth Approval Process
The DA process is complex enough without unnecessary delays. A professionally prepared GTP minimises the risk of receiving a Request for Further Information (RFI) from council, which can halt your project for weeks or months. By engaging an expert, you ensure that:
-
All technical details are accurately addressed.
-
The plan is robust, defensible, and based on sound transport planning principles.
-
Your application proceeds smoothly, saving you significant time and money.
Let our experience streamline your approval. We handle the technical transport components so you can focus on your project. Contact our expert consultants for a quote on your GTP.
Secure Your DA with a Compliant Green Travel Plan
Preparing a Green Travel Plan is a critical, technical step for gaining development approval in Australia. A successful GTP hinges on a thorough understanding of council-specific requirements and the effective implementation of sustainable transport measures. The process of how to prepare a Green Travel Plan demands precision to ensure compliance and avoid costly project delays.
Navigating these complex regulations is where expert assistance provides definitive value. ML Traffic Engineers has over 15 years of experience delivering council-compliant traffic planning reports for DAs. Our expertise spans all Australian states and councils, and we guarantee direct access to our senior traffic engineers for every project. This ensures your GTP is handled by seasoned professionals who understand exactly what is required for approval.
Ensure your project moves forward without unnecessary delays. Get a professional, council-compliant Green Travel Plan for your project. Contact us for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Green Travel Plan and a Traffic Management Plan?
A Green Travel Plan (GTP) is a strategic document focused on minimising single-occupancy vehicle trips to and from a site. It promotes sustainable transport modes like walking, cycling, and public transport. In contrast, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is an operational document that details how to manage vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic safely and efficiently around a site, particularly during construction phases or for complex operational layouts. The GTP’s goal is mode shift, while the TMP’s goal is operational safety and efficiency.
Is a Green Travel Plan a legally binding document?
Yes. When a Green Travel Plan is submitted as part of a Development Application and subsequently approved by the consent authority (typically the local council), its conditions become legally binding. The strategies and targets outlined within the approved GTP must be implemented and maintained for the life of the development. Failure to comply with the conditions of an approved GTP can result in enforcement action from the council, making professional and accurate preparation essential.
How much does it cost to have a professional Green Travel Plan prepared?
The cost for a professionally prepared Green Travel Plan in Australia varies based on the scale and complexity of the development. For a small to medium-sized project, costs typically range from A$3,000 to A$8,000. Larger, more complex developments with significant transport impacts may require a more detailed assessment, with costs potentially exceeding A$10,000. This investment ensures compliance with council requirements and a functional, effective plan that avoids future complications.
Who is responsible for implementing the GTP after the development is complete?
The responsibility for implementation rests with the owner or operator of the development. For residential buildings, this is typically the Owners Corporation or Body Corporate. For commercial sites, it is the building management or the primary tenant. The GTP will usually nominate a Travel Plan Coordinator from within this entity to oversee the ongoing management, monitoring, and promotion of the plan’s initiatives to ensure long-term compliance and success.
Can a Green Travel Plan be amended after it has been approved?
An approved Green Travel Plan can be amended, but this requires a formal modification application to the original consent authority. The proponent must provide a robust justification for the proposed changes, demonstrating that the amendments will not undermine the original objectives of the GTP. This process can be time-consuming and is subject to council approval, highlighting the importance of developing a comprehensive and achievable plan from the outset.
At what stage of the development process should I prepare a GTP?
A Green Travel Plan should be prepared during the planning and design phase, prior to the submission of a Development Application (DA). Understanding how to prepare a Green Travel Plan early in the process is critical as it allows for the seamless integration of required infrastructure, such as bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities, into the architectural design. Addressing the GTP requirements at the DA stage prevents costly redesigns and potential delays in securing project approval.
Which areas do you service?
We are traffic engineers covering Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and surrounding areas.
