Providing a network of safe footpaths for what’s known as ‘old’ Ocean Grove has been a topic of discussion for many years.
The intention behind the proposal has consistently been to improve accessibility, particularly for those with mobility issues, the elderly and pram pushers, and encourage more people to ditch the car and walk or hop on the bike.
Council has listened intently to the community’s views about the length of the network and how it should be funded through a series of engagement opportunities, chats, emails and calls.
The insights have been invaluable during this difficult process, so thanks to everyone for coming forward.
We deferred a decision on the funding model twice so that we could dig deeper into the Special Charge Scheme and whether it was possible to reduce costs on property owners.
Last month, my amended resolution was successful to lower residents’ contributions from 50 per cent on the original proposal to 35 per cent.
This drop is in line with the newly updated Special Rates and Charges Policy and will see the City cover 65 per cent of costs.
The 6357 property owners taking part in the scheme should have now received a letter from the City, outlining that they will pay a total of $333.87 for the project, starting no earlier than July next year.
Like with all of our notices, residents have the option of arranging a payment schedule if they need to.
The network will be made up of 21.1km worth of 1.5-metre-wide concrete footpaths and 3.2km of 2.5-metre-wide shared paths.
That’s 24.3kms of paths in total to facilitate safe active transport for people of all ages and abilities.
While the new paths may not be directly outside some residents’ front doors, it’s an opportunity to provide paths for everyone’s use in well-worn areas.
I believe the funding model is the most practical solution and by going ahead, we’re finding a way to get this network built in its entirety.
The City is getting on with the job of delivering this vital infrastructure.
