Council committed to new and upgraded footpaths

Published on 21 January 2021

Frankston City Council is creating greater accessibility and connectivity for all with a clear commitment to upgraded and new footpaths across the municipality.

Deputy Mayor Cr Nathan Conroy said the provision of paved footpaths is vital to liveability, as well as enabling residents and visitors to socialise, stay fit and explore neighbourhoods.

“Having safe, convenient and well designed and maintained footpaths is a core community expectation for meeting the day to day all abilities needs of residents and their families. Frankston City Council is committed to planning, constructing and maintaining good quality footpaths throughout the City’s roads, parks and foreshore,” Cr Conroy said.

Cr Conroy added: “In the 2019/20 financial year, Frankston City repaired and replaced 4181 square metres of footpaths. As at 2019/20, our municipality had almost 1000km of footpaths that are well loved and used by locals and visitors.

“During lockdown, many people used their free time – to reacquaint themselves with their neighbourhoods – highlighting the necessity for quality footpaths.”

Cr Conroy said the Council’s commitment was underscored by its expenditure of approximately $10 million on footpath projects since July 2016 including renewals, upgrades and new paths.

“Since 2016 – 17 there have been 42 new and upgraded footpath capital works projects throughout the municipality (including current 2020/21 year projects). The footpath network has grown approximately 12km over the past four years as a result of new and upgraded footpaths,” he said.

Key projects include:

McClelland Dve shared path $1.1 million.
Cranbourne Rd $210,000.
Citywide path construction $200,000.
McCormicks Rd $190,000.
Liddesdale Ave $180,000.
Frankston Flinders Rd (east side) $170,000.

Projects in the current Capital Works Program include:

Stotts Lane shared path (Golf Links Rd to Escarpment Dve).
Baxter Trail Shared Path (Monash University to City centre).

Cr Conroy said the 2020 Paths Development Plan guided the Council in identifying and prioritising paths projects to program, fund and complete Frankston City’s pathway network.

“Projects in streets and roads are ranked based on a criteria including safety, connectivity, strategic objectives and amenity. The Plan lists 86 longer length paths in city roads and streets. The Council recognises that some priorities may change as annual Budgets are set as a result of changes in community expectations, new developments, safety concerns and State Government initiatives,” Cr Conroy said.

Cr Conroy added that Council had created a new budget for the funding of minor paths including shorter length paths, minor missing links and urgent minor paths improvements – all estimated cost $15,000 or less. This will assist in developing a program aimed at completing the 20 minor paths listed in the Plan over four to six years.

The Plan also identifies paths projects in reserves and State Government land. It notes that larger recreational reserves are developed through a Master Planning process including community and stakeholder consultation.

Langwarrin mum Shannon said she loved walking with her children Gerard, 1, and Thomas, 3, along the new footpath on McClelland Dve to the Karingal Hub Shopping Centre.

“I walk to Karingal Hub regularly and the new footpath is a massive improvement both in terms of accessibility and safety. I love going to the Hub for shopping and to catch up with friends,” she said.

Residents who would like to recommend a project or believe their local footpaths need attention can email info@frankston.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 322 322. Residents can also use the Snap Send Solve App to report maintenance issues.

To view the 2020 Paths Development Plan, visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au