THE community will have its say on the design, funding and implementation options for a connected network of footpaths in Ocean Grove.
\nThe City of Greater Geelong will call for feedback on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) on the Geelong Australia website\u2019s Your Say page, at drop-in sessions and focus groups in the coming weeks.
\nMayor Bruce Harwood said the construction of new footpaths would encourage more walking in Ocean Grove but also lead to safer access for all residents and visitors, including the elderly and those with a disability.
\n\u201cThe PPN is a significant infrastructure project and we need to hear from residents on how they think council should move forward,\u201d Cr Harwood said.
\nCr Stephanie Asher said many Ocean Grove residents had shown interest over a number of years for a connected network of footpaths.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s important we undertake community consultation quickly on the design and different costing options, so we can get this very important project started,\u201d Cr Asher said.
\nIn 2016, consultation was undertaken and identified a 22.3 km network of potential footpaths with an estimated cost of $6.98 million.
\nThis option could potentially impact 6,640 properties and take at least five years to deliver.
\nIn February 2019, the Ocean Grove Community Association helped to create a second option by reducing the total footpath length to 11.3 km, which would potentially impact 3,282 properties.
\nThis option would cost an estimated $3.3 million and see the project delivered in three years.
\nThe cost of either option is proposed to be shared between council and property owners, through one of four funding methods: traditional frontage charge; both sides of street share charge; tiered charge based on the distance from the proposed PPN; and equal charge.
\nFollowing approval from council on the PPN model, property owners would have the option to pay their contribution in full, one year after the footpaths are built or by instalments over a five year period, with interest.
\nThe first round of engagement in 2016 sought the community\u2019s support for the project in general and received 780 responses, with 56 per cent of community members preferring the funding method where everyone contributes.
\nA fresh round of consultation will provide the community with a more detailed extent of works and costed funding options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE community will have its say on the design, funding and implementation options for a connected network of footpaths in Ocean Grove. The City of Greater Geelong will call for feedback on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) on the Geelong Australia website\u2019s Your Say page, at drop-in sessions and focus groups in the coming weeks. […]<\/p>\n