Mandurah is jumping on the trend of cities and towns across the state to encourage greater walking and cycling in the community, in an effort to improve health, reduce traffic and slash emissions.
An additional 500 new paths, totaling more than 95 kilometres, are required throughout Mandurah to complement the city’s existing transport network, according to local government reports.
With population growth tipped for an increase throughout the city, Mandurah’s councillors have introduced an “Integrated Transport Plan” to cater for the boom.
The plan aims to provide cycling and walkability options and is attune with City of Mandurah’s vision to create an environmentally-friendly community.
The plan comes after several other local governments in Western Australia made the move to introduce more cycling options for their residents.
Mandurah’s push aligns with the Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan 2014-2031, which was widely publicised in 2014 as a blueprint for metropolitan and regional cycling facilities to encourage and support cycling trips.
The local plan identifies and prioritises cycle paths to focus on developing a “multi-tiered cycling network” that connects key attractions and provides safe access.
Two seperate strategies are encompassed in the plan, including what’s described as a “Cycle Plan” and “Walkability Plan”.
In a report presented to elected representatives at their August meeting, improving community engagement, quality of life, safety and security were listed as major boons from the proposal.
“Appreciating the extensive biodiversity and landform diversity in the municipality” was also mentioned as a benefit of the plan.
The report outlined the potential for Mandurah to become recognised as a “place to walk” and a ‘place to cycle’.
Attaining these qualities would result in improvements across community safety, health, moveability and contribute to a vibrant and connected community, according to the report.
At the meeting, Shane Jones moved the report’s recommendations, which was then seconded by Darren Lee and unanimously supported by the rest of council.
To read the report visit the City of Mandurah's website or click here.
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