Northern Beaches Council has adopted a plan to fill missing links in footpaths across the Northern Beaches and to build new paths to encourage more people to walk more and use their car less.

WALK, Council’s Walking Plan has been subject to extensive community consultation and was approved at Council’s meeting yesterday evening.

Under the plan, missing sections in footpaths and new paths will be constructed according to priority. Design work will commence on the highest priority locations soon and construction will commence in the next financial year.

Work has been prioritised on the basis of delivering better connections to schools, local destinations and public transport.

The full delivery of the high and medium priority network is expected to take approximately 14 years and is expected to cost $42 million ($3 million a year).

Mayor Regan said he was very pleased Council’s plan has been adopted.

“Many parts of the Northern Beaches already have well-connected pedestrian facilities, however, there are still gaps in the pedestrian network that need to be addressed. Our plan will address this.

“Improvements to the footpath network will hopefully encourage our community to leave the car at home and walk to school, work or public transport.

“The safety of pedestrians, both young and old, was a key consideration in developing the walking plan. Council took into account, for example, the width of a path so older residents can freely move around their neighbourhoods, whether it be walking or on a mobility scooter.

“Getting people to use their car less and opt for alternative means of getting from A to B is a key plank of our Northern Beaches Transport Strategy.

“We want it to be easier and more enjoyable to walk around and get to services like schools, shops and transport which are key to a happier, healthier and more active lifestyle in any community.”

The Northern Beaches Walking Plan is part of an integrated approach to transport and forms one part of Council’s vision for a connected and accessible community.

WALK is the first of seven sub-plans that sit under the recently adopted MOVE Northern Beaches Transport Strategy.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678