The footpath will extend north from the footpath built last year between King and Ashley streets almost to the intersection with Paynesville Road. The 520-metre stretch is being constructed by the Shire’s concreting crew.
Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz said the project was made possible through savings made during the works for the earlier section. “We received a TAC Local Government Grant for $31,760 for the first footpath, which was built to create pedestrian access to a number of Paynesville’s community facilities,” Cr Pelz said. “Council matched that funding. However, using our own staff we were able to complete the footpath for half the cost and were able to invest the unspent TAC and Council funding into this next section of footpath for Main Road. “Council also contributed an extra $30,000 to allow the footpath to extend almost to Paynesville Road. Paths to navigate the roundabout at that intersection will require further planning and funding.”
A footpath along the length of Main Road is identified in the Shire’s Access and Mobility Plan, however, the cost means this cannot be fully completed to date. “We are proud that through cost-effectiveness we are able to deliver this large section of footpath on this popular route. Council is committed to developing its footpath infrastructure in all our communities to enhance connectivity and create better urban living and quality lifestyles,” Cr Pelz said.
The footpath is expected to be completed by the end of July if weather remains favourable. Footpath works have also recently been completed on a small section of The Esplanade, opposite the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. The footpath wasn’t upgraded at the time of the town centre’s streetscape works as underground fuel tanks had to be removed from the site first. With that step completed, the Shire finished the footpath in mid-June.
