In 2006 Maroondah City adopted its first Integrated Transport Strategy, this document highlighted the need for a pedestrian strategy, which was completed by council last year. Following from this strategy, council has now produced the principal pedestrian network, which indicates the streets that require footpaths within Maroondah.

The principal pedestrian network is now available for public comment and the Maroondah Leader has reported on the opportunity for public comment:

Cr Alex Makin said the plan would identify “missing links” to ensure all roads considered part of the network had at least one footpath. He said walking played an important role in encouraging participation in the community.

The construction of new footpaths to link shops, schools, hospitals, public transport stops and community facilities, would improve the accessibility and sustainability of Maroondah by encouraging walking and making our streets safer for people with mobility aids.

“The development of the network will go along way to improving walking options through local neighbourhoods,” Cr Makin said.

It is clear that the Maroondah community values sustainability and wants footpaths to ensure that walking is an option within our community. The community response in regard to council’s attempt to sell a laneway in Great Ryrie Street, which linked residents in Heathmont Road to bus stops for routes 670 and 367, demonstrates that the community expects council to deliver improvements to the pedestrian network.

Cr Makin said there had been a “lot of community anger” about the council’s plan to sell off the land. He said it was “ironic” that the council discussed selling off a walkway at the same meeting where its walkable communities plan was adopted.

It is important to preserve walking paths that assist in linking our community and encouraging sustainable transport. I would like to thank the residents that assisted in efforts to preserve this path and demonstrating that the community expects council to create a sustainable and safe environment that encourages and supports walking.