In 2020, Wyndham City kicked off an ambitious plan to become the active transport leader of Victoria with its Wyndham Active Transport Strategy, a 10-year plan to connect the missing links in its walking and cycling paths.
Since then, Wyndham City, with the support of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, has invested $15.5 million into its active transport network, including $5 million for the 2023/24 financial year.
Wyndham City Mayor Jennie Barrera said creating a shared path network that is safe and accessible for everyone was at the heart of the Wyndham Active Transport Strategy.
“We want to create a continuous shared path experience that allows our residents to easily and safely explore Wyndham on foot or bike,” Cr Barrera said.
“Through the Wyndham Active Transport Strategy, we’re improving our network for people who want to walk and ride and providing better access for people using wheelchairs, scooters and prams.”
“By connecting these missing links, we’re creating an efficient and convenient active transport network that is well designed, has direct routes and provides connectivity between important landmarks – including public transport hubs and major activity centres.”
“Delivery of the program has enabled us to gather lessons learned and one such lesson is that it’s best to focus delivery on a precinct basis, rather than try to tackle delivery on all fronts.”
“This is enabling Wyndham City to deliver maximum value before moving to the next precinct and also helps residents to understand and see the value in connecting the network in their neighbourhood.”
Wyndham City has recently completed a series of works around the Cambridge estate in Hoppers Crossing.
Enhancements include construction of 23 additional footpaths throughout the Cambridge estate and the installation of 58 solar lights along two popular shared user paths within the estate that connect to key destinations.
“The Cambridge precinct was identified as having significant gaps in the active transport network,” Cr Barrera said.
“The improved footpath network and solar lighting projects have delivered improved access to public transport, routes to schools, shops, and childcare facilities and creates a more inclusive neighbourhood for all residents, including those with limited mobility.”
“Meanwhile, the inclusion of the solar lighting has enhanced community safety by offering pedestrians and cyclists with clear visibility when out at night.”
Over in Point Cook, Wyndham City also recently completed a series of shared path and footpath upgrades to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast Estate.
Improvements included widening existing paths, replacing gravel paths with concrete paths or adding paths where none previously existed.
“Footpaths and shared paths are important, not only for exercise and wellbeing, but also for commuting and providing access to public transport which further improves liveability across our city,” Cr Barrera said.
“They are also important for reducing our impact on the environment by reducing car trips, noting that traffic congestion is a major issue in growth areas like ours where there can be limited access to alternate modes of travel.”
“These paths will ensure that this important access is provided and that the community do not need to walk on the road or across nature strips that, while beautifully presented, can present many hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with limited mobility.”
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