Residents to pave the way to a more walkable Newcastle

Residents of Newcastle are being encouraged to provide their feedback on a new 10-year initiative aimed at promoting pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods.

The City of Newcastle’s draft Walking and Mobility Plan has been approved by the Council for a six-week public exhibition.

This plan focuses on making walking and other forms of active transport the preferred option for short trips for everyone in the community by prioritising pedestrian needs in infrastructure projects throughout the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes emphasized the multiple advantages of walking and active transport for both individuals and the environment.

“Walking and riding are efficient ways to travel short distances, reduce congestion, lower emissions, and increase the vibrancy of local places,” Cr Nelmes stated.

“When we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including skateboards, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams. Walking presents an opportunity for everyone in our community to enjoy Newcastle while also providing significant health benefits from more active lifestyles.

“Newcastle is already a highly walkable city, and by enhancing the walkability of our neighbourhoods we will support our community, businesses, and visitors to embrace walking, including options to connect with public transport as a better way to explore the city and its surrounds.”

The draft plan was developed through extensive consultations with the community and key stakeholders, involving surveys, interactive maps, and the efforts of the Walking and Mobility Working Party.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party, highlighted the plan’s four main themes.

“In order to achieve our goals, we need to promote safety and the prioritisation of pedestrians, build and maintain walkable neighbourhoods, support walking trips, and celebrate walking in our communities, for all people, of all abilities,” Cr Adamczyk noted.

“Surveys have shown 70 per cent of people in Newcastle walk at least 30 minutes every day, but it’s mainly for recreational purposes, not for transport.

“To change those statistics, we need to guide development to take pedestrians into greater consideration while also encouraging pedestrian-friendly drivers by introducing traffic calming measures and advocating for lower speed limits.

“By 2034, City of Newcastle aims to be a place where all pedestrians, of all ages, abilities, and mobilities, feel safe and prioritised within the public road space.”

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the key objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, aiming to make the city more liveable, sustainable, and creative.

The plan will be available for public viewing and feedback from 27 June to 8 August 2024.

For more information and to share your input, visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au