Isaac paving the way to a greener, fitter future

Isaac Regional Council is paving the way to a healthier, more environmentally friendly future by upgrading footpaths in Clermont and Dysart.

The upgrades will make recreational walking easier in the towns and divert plastic waste away from landfill.

Mayor Anne Baker said the environmental benefits were generated by use of recycled plastic in place of steel mesh for reinforcing concrete.

“The steel mesh that would normally go into these footpaths is being replaced by small recycled plastic fibres, which obviously takes plastic out of the environment and locks it away in concrete,” Mayor Baker said.

“The manufacturers also claim production and use of these plastic fibres reduces carbon dioxide emissions and reduces ozone depletion compared with steel mesh, and has a range of other environmental benefits.”

Mayor Baker said the current upgrades to footpaths in selected locations in Clermont and Dysart would benefit recreational walkers.

“We expect the works will be completed in April, just in time for perfect walking weather, so this will help people who want to exercise for their health with a brisk walk on smooth, level paths.

“Upgrading these footpaths is part of Council’s commitment to promoting safety, health and wellbeing for our communities.

“The project will see the construction of new footpaths, as well as upgrading of some of our more popular footpaths, and installing disability and pram ramps on existing paths.”

Mayor Baker said the work is being fully funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program (LRCI)

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry welcomed the news of upgrades being made to footpaths in Clermont and Dysart, through the Australian Government’s LRCI Program.

“Through the 2020–21 Budget, the Australian Government announced a $1 billion extension of the LRCI Program, following strong community and local government support.

“This program is doing exactly what it was set out to do by supporting local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, and indeed Capricornia.

“In phase 1 of our Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program, the Australian Government committed over $6.9 million to local governments in Capricornia to undertake important road and community infrastructure projects.” Ms Landry said.

The paths to be upgraded are outlined below.

Clermont

Parts of Hoods Lagoon footpath Francis Street extension of footpath from Beatty Street to Clermont Hospital Monash Street from Tropic Street to Francis Street Tropic Street from the railway line crossing to Playfair Street Playfair Street from Tropic Street to Francis Street Installation of disability/pram ramps on existing footpaths

Dysart

Beardmore Crescent from Queen Elizabeth Drive to McCartney Street Shannon Crescent from Queen Elizabeth Drive to Brown Street

Works for the footpaths are scheduled to occur from 6am to 6pm weekdays and 6am to 2pm Saturdays until 30 April 2021.

For further information, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).