Second Round Feedback Open for Draft Paths and Trails Strategy

Second Round Feedback Open for Draft Paths and Trails Strategy

Published on 29 May 2019

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking further community feedback on its draft Paths and Trails Strategy to guide future investment and construction of paths and trails across the Shire.

Paths and trails play a significant role in community life, providing a means of access to community facilities, services, public transport and open spaces. The development of a Paths and Trails Strategy is required to provide a plan on how Council will invest in the construction of paths, trails and inter-town connections.

Building upon the guidelines set out by State Government for the development of Principal Pedestrian Networks (PPN) within Victoria, this strategy proposed to build a total of 50km of missing pathways and 246km of missing intertown connections.

The project aims to provide residents with easy access to community facilities, services, public transport and open spaces.

The main objectives of the strategy include:

Promoting and encouraging walking as a sustainable and preferred mode of transport for short trips to work, shops, school and recreation. Providing paths and trails that link key destinations and points of interests such as shops, educational institutions, recreational and health facilities, and public transport. Improving the amenity, accessibility and safety of the footpath network so they are accessible for all users. Strengthening existing pedestrian links creating a direct, connected network. Assisting in responding to residents’ requests for construction of new footpaths and high expectations for their delivery. Establishing criteria to guide the development of new footpaths for the primary and secondary pedestrian network. Including provision in the Long-Term Infrastructure Plan to complete the development of the PPN in a financially sustainable manner.

The estimated project investment is $10.2 million to construct the missing PPN paths over a number of years.

This consultation opportunity is open until 5.00pm Thursday 6 June 2019.

For full project details or to submit your feedback please visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

Once feedback has closed, Council Officers will consolidate comments and consider all submissions to assist in making further recommendations to Council.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Mikaela Power

Paths and trails make communities more liveable, improve connections and provide an opportunity to help people to be healthier and more physically active. This is an opportunity for you to influence the outcomes for your local paths and trails now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Darren Wallace

“As Council, we want to foster vibrant, safe and sustainable environments for our community. So, to get our community mobile and embrace a healthier lifestyle - walking and cycling instead of driving - footpaths are an area of capital work expenditure where we can make a real difference.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Michael Leaney

“Paths and trails are an important element in any community – both major townships and our smaller, more remote communities. This draft strategy sets a very positive direction for the Shire. It’s great that the draft strategy is going out for public consultation over the next two weeks and I encourage everyone to have a look at it and provide feedback.”

Quotes attributable to Danny Goss

“In January we asked the community to provide their input on the best way forward for Baw Baw's paths and trails. Following on from that consultation, Council has developed a draft Paths and Trails Strategy. We're inviting residents to review the draft strategy and provide feedback.”