Two western plains towns will see some new infrastructure to better connect schools to other parts of town and encourage children to get walking.

On National Walk Safely to School Day 16 May 2025, the NSW Government announced it was prioritising safety and accessibility for school students, with a $10 million boost to walking and cycling infrastructure across the state.

One of councils receiving funding is Walgett Shire. It's getting $259,090 for ‘Walking’ upgrades under the ‘Get Kids Active’ program to improve pedestrian safety in Lightning Ridge.

The upgrades will involve constructing a 300-metre footpath along Kaolin Street in Lightning Ridge, linking the Lightning Ridge Central School and Little Diggers Preschool with the Multi-Purpose Centre and Spider Brown Oval.

A spokesperson from the Walgett Shire Council said the project would be a positive for community safety.

"There has been strong community support for a footpath in this area, with concerns raised about the safety of students walking to and from school, the Multi-Purpose Centre and nearby ovals.

"The new footpath aims to improve safety and accessibility and it is hoped it will encourage more students and community members to walk or ride as part of their daily routines."

 Map of the proposed pathway in Lighting Ridge. IMAGE: Supplied.

The project is included in Walgett Shire Council’s 2025–26 budget and works program, with offical timelines yet to be announced.

Bourke Shire Council has also received $227,272 under the program, for 'Walking and Riding' upgrades to construct a safe path linking Wanaaring Public School to Wanaaring Store and playground.

The ‘Get Kids Active’ program is an initiative of the NSW Government, designed to encourage children to be healthy and active by making it safe and accessible to ride or walk to and from school.

Currently, less than one in four NSW school children ride or walk to school, and the program hopes to encourage more active travel by improving pedestrian safety and creating better access to community amenities.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchinson said she was delighted to announce the $10 million worth of active transport projects being funded by the Government.

"Improving safety is our number one priority. We want parents and carers to feel confident to walk, ride and scoot their kids to school - it's critically important to their mental and physical health."

Duty Member of Legislative Council for Barwon Stephen Lawrence was happy with the announcement said the funding would make a big difference for kids in Bourke and Walgett.

"Upgraded and wider footpaths, quality crossings and ultimately safer pathways to school make a big difference to getting kids active on the way to school."