Many of us do not have to consider if we will have uninterrupted footpath access to complete simple, essential tasks in our daily lives – however for those who rely on this critical infrastructure to use mobility aids, a missing few metres really complicates things.
Brisbane City Council area currently has 2000 broken footpaths, where roots have created dangerous uneven surfaces, or the footpath becomes uneven and potentially marshy bare grass. Those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, parents pushing a pram, kids learning to ride a bike or anyone using crutches – can face an awkward, messy, or even dangerous detour if the footpath is not maintained.
Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy has long been on record calling out the current administration for not meeting their responsibilities to rate payers to keep footpaths safe and usable city-wide.
“I personally know of people that have sustained serious injuries, and in one case died, tripping over damaged and dangerous footpaths in our suburbs.”
“That fatal incident happened to an elderly woman in Sandgate. The day after that tragedy, the footpath was fully replaced.”
Cr. Cassidy has his colleague and Lord Mayoral candidate, Tracey Price’s, full support, with her recent Transport policy focusing on quickly fixing this neglect with an annual $25 million boost to footpath repairs, and 50km of new footpaths each year.
“Our plan is ambitious, but also realistic. It’s about getting back to the basics and really thinking about what the city needs as our population grows,” Mrs. Price advised.
Mrs. Price wants to encourage meaningful consultation to ensure this spending boost would see her Council deliver the most suitable outcomes to those most affected and would create stakeholder advisory groups to better understand the issues and needs they experience across the city.
Key projects the groups would consult with Council on include walkable neighbourhood projects, safe active school travel, fixing missing links in cycleways, bus stop connectivity and accessibility, as well as coming down hard on e-scooter companies to ensure safety for everyone, including pedestrians.
Tracey’s website has the full list of measures her Labor team have outlined in their Transport Policy, as well as more information about Tracey and her plans to deliver more for Brisbane.
