A SHARED Path Masterplan has recently been drafted by City of Mount Gambier, and community feedback is being welcomed.
The plan outlines the future needs to improve connectivity and shared pathway networks throughout Mount Gambier/ Berrin.
The draft masterplan provides council with a framework to increase accessible, active transport throughout the city through improved connectivity and shared pathway networks.
City of Mount Gambier general manager city infrastructure Barbara Cernovskis said there has already been success with the current rail trail.
“Our rail trail is a great example of a successful shared path for pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the city,” she said.
“Council wishes to further expand on this type of infrastructure and continue to improve accessibility.
“We aspire to be national leaders in the space of shared paths and active accessibility and that is why it is so important to adopt a deliberate, planned approach to delivering a quality infrastructure network within our city.”
The plan, developed in conjunction with Tonkin Engineering, considered footpaths and dedicated cycling paths which could be utilised by a variety of active transport users such as pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility restrictions and scooters.
“Quality infrastructure improves connectivity and increases participation in active transport which reduces reliance on motorised forms of transport and is good for health outcomes,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“We want to motivate people to be active and good infrastructure that makes people feel safe and separated from traffic assists with that.”
Council sought community feedback for the plan through a digital mapping exercise, a survey and a series of workshops in 2023 to identify the community’s current and future needs.
“Walkers indicated that improving footpaths was of high importance to them, followed by prioritising pedestrian safety,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“Meanwhile, cyclists would like to see additional dedicated cycling paths in the city.”
At the February council meeting, council also endorsed recommendations from the CBD Accessibility Audit for inclusion in the Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.
“The audit identified the challenges and opportunities for improved accessibility throughout the CBD, a high traffic area for pedestrians and people with mobility restrictions,” Ms Cernovskis said.
Identified challenges included the need for ongoing infrastructure upgrades on kerb ramps and footpaths, compliance with new and updated standards and addressing visibility and maintenance issues related to pathway obstructions.
Ms Cernovskis said the challenges in council’s Infrastructure Asset Management Plan would be addressed, including retrofitting work where required and adopting new infrastructure standards and methodology for all future works.
“We will also continue to maintain awareness of all compliance requirements and associated inspections,” she said.
Council has invited the community to review the draft Shared Path Masterplan give feedback until Friday, March 15 at haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au/shared-path-master-plan
Community feedback will be consolidated within the final draft document to be presented to Council for endorsement in April 2024.
