City of Newcastle (CN) is on track to deliver more than 3500 metres of new footpaths and shared pathways by the end of June as part of a $1 million investment across Newcastle.
An 800 metre long, three metre wide loop around Myers Park at Adamstown is nearing completion as part of a larger staged upgrade project at the sporting facility, while a 700 metre long footpath under construction on the southern side of McCaffrey Drive at Rankin Park will provide a link between local schools, a childcare centre, and the shopping centre.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was committed to investing in the expansion of the city’s footpath network, with work already completed this year in suburbs such as Beresfield, Mayfield, Jesmond, New Lambton, Birmingham Gardens and Waratah West.
“Encouraging greater participation in active transport and improving pedestrian safety are key objectives in ensuring Newcastle can thrive as a safe, active and connected city,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle maintains nearly 1,000 kilometres of footpath across the local government area, with an annual upgrade and maintenance program that adds to this total each year to address gaps in the network.
“We’re investing $1 million this financial year into these critical community assets, delivering three-and-a-half kilometres of new paths designed to improve pedestrian safety, enhance accessibility and create key links within local neighbourhoods.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said CN receives hundreds of requests for new footpaths each year and is seeking to harness that community feedback to create a framework for prioritising new pedestrian projects.
Developed as part of CN’s Walking and Mobility Plan, the Principal Pedestrian Network will provide a mapped network of existing and future pedestrian routes that support activity into and around key destinations such as neighbourhood and local centres, schools, parks, and transport stops.
Cr Clausen said community feedback is important to ensuring our pedestrian networks cater for everyone including older residents, people with mobility or vision impairments, school children, tourists and recreational pedestrians.
“We’re looking to hear from residents on the routes and destinations that are important to them,” Cr Clausen said.
“This feedback will help City of Newcastle prioritise new infrastructure where it is needed most, or where it will deliver complete paths, which will help address barriers to walking and improve the overall safety and experience of pedestrians.”
Residents can provide their feedback via an interactive storymap on the CN website until 5pm on 17 May. Visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/principal-pedestrian-network for more details.