By Jay Fegan
Many residents live centrally in towns across the Southern Downs for the convenience and proximity to services, such as medical facilities, schools, parks or supermarkets. There have been growing concerns, however over the lack of footpaths across the Southern Downs, a trend that is often seen, with residents walking, pushing prams or riding mobility scooters on the roads.
Warwick local, Mrs Hayden made the transition to move more central to town for a sense of ease, telling our newspaper, "We moved closer into town to be near to the doctors and hospital ... (but) I never anticipated how dangerous it could be navigating the nature strips."
Mrs Hayden, along with many others, faces the daily challenge of traversing nature strips, often opting to walk or drive a mobility scooter on the edge of the road to avoid the uneven terrain and the inherent risks that such pathways present. The lack of footpaths means that even a simple stroll could turn into a risky endeavour, further telling us, "The grass is often uneven and slippery, especially during colder months, it’s difficult to walk without feeling like I'm going to fall."
While some areas in towns are equipped with footpaths, many still remain untouched, leaving significant portions streets as obstacles rather than avenues for safe travel.
When asked about this issue, a Southern Downs Regional Council spokesperson said, "Council is committed to enhancing pedestrian infrastructure to ensure the safety and convenience of our residents. We do not currently have a program for constructing new footpath (assets), but we are focused on completing missing links and replacing damaged footpaths (renewal of existing assets)."
Council further stated that in this financial year, they "are addressing two missing links to boost safety along thoroughfares with high foot traffic" and noted these areas in Warwick:
• Grafton Street – Between Canning St and Oak Ave (LHS) Length: 130m
• Wallace Street – Between Lock St and Glen Rd (RHS) Length: 65m
"These projects are part of our ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian access and connectivity within the community," the spokesperson said.
"Additionally, Council has adopted the Warwick and Stanthorpe Walking Network Plans. There will be future budget bids and efforts to lobby for external funding to construct new footpaths in the region."
For now, residents continue to navigate along nature strips and busy streets with the hope their voices will lead to quicker action. Those who spoke to our newspaper said they hoped future upgrades will better allow for safer daily movement around town.
