Coordinated approach improves path networks

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is working with the Department of Transport and Department of Education to improve pathways near schools in the region.

Earlier this year, the Shire – in partnership with the two State Government departments – completed the construction of a shared pathway between the Margaret River Education Campus and the high school, on the west side of Bussell Highway.

Shire Manager Asset Services David Nicholson said the relatively short missing link in the townsite path network had long impacted the movement of pedestrians and cyclists, who previously had to walk along the gravel verge on Bussell Highway.

“Installation of this path provides massive benefits for the local community and visitors through provision of a safe, uninterrupted, wheelchair accessible path from town to the Education Campus,” he said.

“The large number of people using this path on a daily basis indicates the success of this project.”

Due to the path serving weekday movements of school students and Saturday morning foot traffic to and from the farmers’ market, this path was constructed to a higher standard at 2.5m wide.

The Department of Education also funded construction of additional bus bays to service the ongoing growth in student numbers at the high school.

“The Shire would like to thank the Department of Education and the Department of Transport for their part in bringing this pathway to fruition,” Mr Nicholson said.

Now looking to the future, the Shire is again working with the same two State Government departments on a similar project to design a shared path between Station Road and Bussell Highway along Clarke Road and Boodjidup Road.

This will complete a missing link between the Station Road commercial precinct and residential neighbourhoods at Brookfield and Rapids Landing.

Construction of the pathway is subject to future grant funding, but can hopefully be constructed within the next two years.

The Department of Transport provides ongoing support to WA local governments through funding of up to 50% of total project costs for the design and implementation of bicycle network infrastructure.

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