Brewarrina Shire residents, are being called upon for input into a plan being created by council to improve walking and cycling tracks for easier, safer and more accessible ways to get the community moving.

Following successful funding under the Transport for NSW grants program, the Active Transport Plan aims to develop a plan for each of the towns and villages across the shire to focus on enhancing infrastructure, promote health and sustainability, improve connectivity, and ensure the safety of all when moving on foot or wheels.

According to Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby (pictured below), community involvement is imperative to the outcome of the project, as conversations commence this week on the best way to plan for success.

“We want to know how you move around our shire, where you currently walk and cycle, where you want to be able to move about, so we can ensure our plans for upgrading local active transport infrastructure actually adds value and makes a difference for our residents,” said Mr Kirby.

Urayne Warraweena of Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council said the project would be a great thing for the community and people need to jump on and have their say to assist those in planning.

“Better foot pathing and infrastructure for exercise is always a good thing. We have talked with Transport many times in conjunction with the Shire about footpaths, particularly in relation to Barwon 4 community, which doesn’t have adequate or safe footpaths for people to get to town. They have to walk along the highway, and it is quite dangerous, so that would be a great place to start," she said.

“This will also tie in excellently with our Bike Kitchen Project, where 48 pushbikes were given out to kids in years three and four, and so we have lots of kids on bikes around town that will benefit from this project and safe pathways will be a great way to get people out and about, young, old, and families.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people in the community won’t get online and register their thoughts. Even I am hopeless at that,” laughed Urayne, “but when you are dealing with remote aboriginal communities, a lot of whom are not up to date with technology, you need to go straight to the source so hopefully the shire will get out and about to see what people want and need.”

“Our footpaths in Brewarrina are really good at the moment and this has brought more people out walking, riding, skating and becoming more healthy so if council and community can identify places where locals go and use regularly or even come up with ideas for new areas then this will certainly see a more active Brewarrina and that’s great,” added Ms Warraweena

Residents are invited to register their interest for in-person sessions via the Brewarrina Shire Council website, with the aim of assisting in the identification of commonly used cycling and walking tracks, assess their safety and usability, and explore ways to improve already existing infrastructure.

“The plan will focus not just on Brewarrina, but all our villages and towns, including Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Angledool and Gongolgon, so that the unique needs and opportunities within each of these communities is considered and we can create a cohesive active transport network across the whole shire,” added Mr Kirby.

Emphasis will be placed on creating safe pathways that connect different locations such as shop, schools and community used spaces.

“Input from local residents is paramount in forming the plan and helping us to shape improvements, like safer crossings and better lighting to ensure pathways are suitable for everyone. I therefore encourage everyone to get involved, and help us create a safer, healthier and more active Bre,” concluded Mr Kirby.