Plan to pave new pathways

THE state of, or lack of footpaths across Ballarat is a topic more often hot than not.

As a way of dealing with the issue and for the first time, City of Ballarat officers are putting together a special footpath-specific plan with to create walkways where there are none.

A new footpath construction strategy is being developed, and municipal staff are seeking community feedback via a survey to establish which areas need pedestrian pathways to be paved as a priority.

The strategy will also aim to address the sealing of unsealed paths and fill the gaps where City’s 844-kilometre network has missing links.

“Footpaths are important to everyone however with limited funds, we need to prioritise where new footpaths are built,” said mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“We encourage you to provide your feedback about how you use local footpaths and what new footpath links are important to you.

“Join the conversation and help shape where and when we build new footpaths. You can also mark on an interactive map where you think new footpaths should be constructed.”

Cr Hudson said footpath infrastructure can encourage more active living and decrease vehicles on the road.

It’s estimated that it would cost $100 million to put 600 kilometres’ worth of footpaths on the City’s nature strips that don’t have them, but the municipality only has an annual budget of $900,000 for these types of works.

The survey is open on the MySay website until 5pm on Sunday 3 March, or printed copies are available at Ballarat Libraries and the customer service centre at The Phoenix on Armstrong Street South.

As an alternative, feedback can be given tomorrow, Saturday 10 February at Ballarat Farmers Market on Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree from 9am to 12pm, and at the Ballarat Skate Park during the Skate Park Leagues competition from 2pm to 4pm.

After the consultation period, a draft Footpath Construction Strategy will be presented to councillors to consider.