Another 2km of Ocean Grove’s delayed Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) has been completed with more than 16km still to go.
About one-third of the proposed 24.3km PPN has been delivered with the eastern side of Sunset Strip recently finished and Eccles Road next on the works schedule.
The network was initially hoped to be completed by June 2026, but the Special Rates and Charges Scheme allows the City to deliver the project within five years from commencement, with a final completion date of 2028, the City said in May.
The annual influx of summer tourism will halt the project in mid-December and it will resume in early February.
Owners of Collendina’s Twelve Sea cafe Ken Wall and Bridget McClure said the new Sunset Strip footpath has been a boost for their business.
“The footpath has been great for the business and the area, it has enabled people to walk to the cafe from surrounding streets, improved access for elderly and made it a lot safer for pedestrians along the street,” they said.
“We have definitely noticed an increase in people walking to the cafe instead of driving.
“So many of our customers have commented on how great it is to finally have a footpath that connects from the beach all the way to our cafe and the nearby shopping centre and retirement villages.”
The PPN met with opposition from some residents when they were initially asked to pay for 50 percent of the costs.
Council eventually settled on a 65/35 cost share model which reduced the affected cost by about $100 per ratepayer.
Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said the new footpaths were making a real difference for locals.
“We’re proud to have already delivered about eight kilometres of new footpaths in Ocean Grove,” she said.
“These paths are helping people move around more safely and easily, whether they’re walking to school, the shops, or just enjoying the neighbourhood.”
The next stages for completion are Parma Crescent, Somerdale Avenue and Eccles Road and Bonnyvale Road from Shell Road to Pembroke Road.
