Council was presented the Leeton Shire Active Transport Plan (ATP) at its April 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting and resolved to place it on public exhibition from 22 May 2023 to 18 June 2023.
The ATP is a strategic document used to identify the Leeton Shire pedestrian and cycling network and will be used, once adopted, as a planning tool for Council to assist with the programming of new projects and initiatives. The document will also enable Council to apply for upcoming funding that may be available, such as the Get NSW Active Program. The aim of the plan is to make walking and cycling the preferred way to make short trips.
Council's Road Safety Officer Steph Puntoriero said the ATP has taken into consideration extensive community consultation, including an online survey and community workshops in Leeton, Whitton, Murrami and Yanco.
"The preliminary investigations and engagement findings identified several deficiencies and barriers in Leeton's active transport network. These were incorporated into the plan illustrated through a series of maps," she said.
In addition, individual focus areas were determined for Leeton, Murrami, Wamoon, Whitton and Yanco to visualise the additional facilities required to achieve a more connected network. The plan also illustrates concept designs of the top priority projects recommended for action, along with project costings and any notes relating to project implementation.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker is inviting the community to provide feedback on the DRAFT plan.
"Council has updated the Active Transport Plan in order to ensure we continue to establish a pedestrian and cycling network relevant for the needs of our community."
"We want to provide a network of facilities that encourage people to get active. This will help encourage healthy living and decrease traffic and parking pressures. But people won't use these facilities if they are not safe and don't link the places they want to visit so we need to hear the community's views," he said.
In endorsing the ATP for public exhibition, Council noted that any expansion or upgrade of the footpath network will require an increase in operations and maintenance budgets. There are no plans to immediately expand the network beyond current grant-funded projects.
The DRAFT plan on exhibition can be downloaded from Council's website while hard copies will be available for viewing at the Council Administration Office, Leeton Shire Library, Yanco Shop, and Murrami and Whitton Post Offices.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback to Council on the DRAFT Active Transport Plan via the following methods:
- Complete the survey on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at https://haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au
