Warrumbungle Shire Council has agreed to re-examine a project to construct a shared footpath in Baradine after meeting with concerned residents.

Council has received $250,000 in grant funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to construct a shared pathway in Lachlan Street. The need for the construction of a footpath from the Baradine showground to Narren Street has been identified to provide safe pedestrian access to the preschool and the main street.  

Warrumbungle Shire Council representatives met with residents at the Baradine CWA Hall on Friday 23 June to explain the project and discuss the issues being raised.

“The meeting was called following a request from the Baradine branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) to Council for more information on the project and for the opportunity to provide community feedback,” said Baradine CWA president, Irene Worrell.

“Our members concerns focussed on the likelihood of reduced vehicle parking at the CWA Hall, storm water drainage problems and the elimination of damage to trees.

“It was pointed out that there would be a need to construct an elevated section of footpath crossing the watercourse at the western end of Lachlan Street.”

Mrs Worrell said that council staff explained why the footpath had to go down the right-hand side of Lachlan Street. 

“We were told that existing electrical and water piping infrastructure did not allow for a footpath on the left-hand side of the street,” added Mrs. Worrell. “We were given assurances that the project would not affect the trees outside the CWA hall in any way. 

“Overall, we are happy with the outcome and the opportunity to voice our concerns. 

“The Council representatives said that our issues, some of which they were unaware of, would be investigated and that it is not too late at this stage for them to adjust project plans.” 

Warrumbungle Shire Council say they wrote to the individual residents affected by the proposal and, following feedback received, advertised a community engagement meeting to discuss the project in more detail.

They state that the shared pathway aims to facilitate improvements in the level of personal mobility and safety for pedestrians, particularly school children, those with disabilities and older persons through the delivery of infrastructure which caters to their needs. 

The pathway will be designed to Austroads Standards and the works are to be completed by June 2024.

A further community engagement session is proposed between Council and the Baradine community, in particularly with the residents in Lachlan Street, to provide details of the final project plan.  

The meeting will be promoted on the Council website and social media platforms so that the broader community is fully informed.