Part of the reason is that the population is getting older and so will need better, smoother paths.

A Glen Innes Severn Council report says the changing demographics of the area will see “an increase in the aged population over time. Pedestrian facilities will be required to meet the increasing needs of pedestrians and special mobility vehicles into the future”.

The aim is to fill gaps in the existing network of paths.  It wants to allow four weeks for the public to give its views.

The council’s budget for renewing existing footpaths this year is $25,000, with a budget of an extra $50,000 allocated for new walking and cycling routes. With this level of spending, the work that’s been ear-marked to be done would take ten years.

One of the dilemmas the council faces is: when is a path public and when should it be paid for by a nearby business which might find it useful?  

The council indicates there’s been a question with a dentist.  The report says that “access to the dental facilities is first and foremost the responsibility of the relevant business owner. It is intended that these businesses be encouraged to make suitable provision for their clients rather than for the public to effectively subsidies what should be profitable private enterprise”. 

The main parts of the proposal are: paths through the Main Northern railway reserve, linking Lambeth Street from the rail bridge and Bourke Street west of the railway line, with Wentworth Street east of the railway line;

Shared paths along Bourke Street, linking existing footpaths in Church Street with Tregurtha Way at the Standing Stones;

A footpath in Taylor Street, between Macquarie Street and West Avenue; 

A footpath in West Avenue Street, between Taylor Street and Ferguson Street;

footpath in George Street from the existing path end to Hunter Street;

A footpath in Hunter Street from George Street to Bourke Street.