More paths connecting local communities

The program will complete many of the missing links in footpaths across local townships and add to the footpath projects being carried out in Council-managed parks and reserves and to paths provided by developers in the urban growth corridor.

A new footpath in Carnarvon Street, Lang Lang, is already complete, providing an east-west link from McDonalds Track to the railway reserve, and connecting other existing sections of footpath.

An 800 metre concrete footpath on the north side of Railway Avenue, Bunyip, is expected to be finished around mid-September, improving connection between the Bunyip town centre, Bunyip Railway Station and local schools.

Other projects include:

• a concrete footpath along Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup to complete the missing link from the new estate to the town centre, Cochrane Park and rail trail
• a gravel footpath from the service station in Belgrave–Gembrook Rd, Gembrook to Station Street, to complete the pedestrian link from the town centre to Gembrook Recreation Reserve
• upgrading the existing gravel path in Macclesfield Road, Avonsleigh, between Belgrave–Gembrook and Fairway roads, to improve access for all abilities in the township
• a new concrete path in Fairbridge Lane, Cockatoo, connecting to the Cockatoo to Gembrook multi-use trail (currently under construction)
• a new path on Bald Hill Road, Pakenham to link the town centre with the expanding commercial precinct
• a new path along Pinnocks Road, Emerald, to link residential areas currently without a footpath and join the new path which will be constructed as part of this year’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy program linking Clematis and the Emerald township.

The pedestrian and bicycle program will see two additional footpaths constructed. The Clematis to Emerald shared path along the Puffing Billy railway corridor (which has also received a $100,000 TAC grant) and a path along Beswick Street/Fourteen Mile Road in Garfield aim to improve pedestrian access to local recreation reserves.

Mayor Cr Brett Owen said Council had worked through a list of over 300 paths from across the municipality to select the projects that were delivered each financial year.

“Each path is assessed on its strategic value, safety, usage and community demand.  Working through that list is a long-term priority for us when we go through the budget each year. We know there are many footpaths that need to be constructed and existing ones that need to be connected in all townships.”

“We are committed to delivering more and more kilometres of paths each year so residents can move around their neighbourhood safely,” Cr Owen said.