Pedestrian Patter

The issue of footpaths in our area is one which the Progress Association has been trying to address for many years. In 1996 the CPPA surveyed the local community on the issues of footpaths, reserves, The Ridge and environmental issues (erosion and sedimentation). There were 444 responses to the hand delivered and collected surveys.

There was overwhelming agreement that the current state of footpaving in our area was inadequate (89%). It was not surprising therefore that 93% felt something should be done about it. The suggestion that footpaths unite the community was supported by 66% of the respondents, who also agreed that footpaths were a basic right of rate payers (87%)

The local community forum held in June to identify the current issues and discuss a way forward was a productive session. The issues were grouped into Safety, Equity and Responsibility.

Safety

• The population is ageing, attempts to exercise and keep active are compromised by uneven footing on ill defined tracks.
• The safety of active members of the community with bikes, prams or dogs is compromised by having to use the narrow roads and at night the poor lighting creates an additional hazard.
• The narrow verges that can provide some pedestrian options are often compromised by parking of vehicles and vegetation interferes with sight lines and accessibility in some areas.

Responsibility- LMCC.

• Opinions were expressed about Council holding the legal responsibility to ensure community safety, especially given recent promotion “Walk Safely To School Day”. 

Equity amongst ratepayer for community services.

• Considering the significant number of lots that have been subdivided over recent years, the rateable income from this community is considerable for the number of people living here, with some subdivided lots generating almost $5000/annum. There appears to be a lack of improvement in services for rates contributed by this area.

As with all good discussions there were some actions suggested which ranged from seeking legal, RTA and council advice to one way traffic, civil disobedience and boycotting rates.
 
One agreed upon goal is to get a whole of community petition signed and presented to the local Councillors at a public meeting. The petition would state “We the undersigned request urgent implementation of action to address pedestrian accessibility and safety issues resulting from lack of footpaths and around Coal Point peninsular."
 
Information gathering was also needed to prioritise identification of lengths of road where no footpaths exist and where footpaths could be designated and investigate new community walking routes.
 
Pedestrian accessibility around our community is one issue which will only get worse over time as the quest for increased health through activity is compromised by increased subdivisions generating increased population and the resultant traffic increase.
 
If you have expertise and an interest in joining a small group of progress people to pursue this issue please contact one of the committee or email coalpointprogress@gmail.com.
coalpointprogress@gmail.com