EVERY time we step out the door, we use our local roads and footpaths. These routes shape our lives – they’re how we get our kids to school safely, how we commute to work, how we drop in on friends and how we explore our local area.
Because these routes play such a vital role in our daily routines, they’re a Council priority – and we know safe pathways and roads are a priority for you, too.
We currently have both Council’s draft Road Futures Strategy and draft Port Stephens Pathways Plan on public exhibition throughout August, and we’re inviting members of the community to share their feedback.
The draft Road Futures Strategy is our long-term vision to guide how we invest in and look after our road network.
It builds on our current Roads Acceleration Program (RAP) – a record $29 million, three-year investment – and looks at what’s working well and where we need to focus our attention next.
Prioritising our busiest roads first means our improvements will benefit the most people during their everyday journeys.
Our draft Pathways Plan has been updated to reflect the different roles shared paths and footpaths play in our lives.
We’ve categorised them as a ‘connection’ path for everyday trips like a safe walk to school or local shops, and a ‘destination’ path for recreational routes like a scenic coastal walk.
Because each category has its own scoring method, we can use this to prioritise the paths that will provide the most value to our community.
Good pathways also serve as a great attraction for visitors, helping to support our local businesses.
Our roads and paths are the essential links that connect us to the people and places we love and need for everyday life.
Your local knowledge will help to ensure our future investments and priorities reflect our community’s needs now and into the future.
I encourage you to attend a drop-in information session either online or in person during the exhibition period:
- Raymond Terrace Bowling Club – Thursday 13 August, 5pm to 7pm (online option)
- Medowie Community Hall – Tuesday 18 August, 10:30am to 12:30pm
- Soldiers Point Bowling Club – Thursday 20 August, 5pm to 7pm (online option)
To learn more and have your say, head to the Port Stephens Council Public Exhibitions page, or pop into one of our upcoming information sessions.
By Leah ANDERSON,
Mayor of Port Stephens
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