Dr Ross Kerridge Announces Footpath Rescue Package in Newcastle Campaign

Dr Ross Kerridge Announces Footpath Rescue Package in Newcastle Campaign

Dr Ross Kerridge, leader of the ‘Our Newcastle’ team and candidate for Lord Mayor, has announced a new initiative to improve footpath infrastructure across the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA). In a statement today, Dr Kerridge outlined his plan to deliver more than 30 kilometres of new footpaths over the next four years, particularly in suburbs with limited footpath access.

“Footpath delivery will be one of my key focuses under an ‘Our Newcastle’ led council,” said Dr Kerridge. “Suburbs like Beresfield, Tarro, Wallsend, Waratah West, Waratah, Shortland, Birmingham Gardens, and Elermore Vale have almost no footpaths at all, and this needs to change.”

The Footpath Rescue Package, as outlined by Dr Kerridge, will also focus on repairing existing footpaths across the entire LGA. He has pledged to make it easier for residents to report issues such as cracked, broken, or bulging footpaths and aims to streamline the repair process.

Dr Kerridge also proposed that developers should be required to contribute more to ensure footpaths are built around new housing developments. “Gone will be the days where a developer builds hundreds of new properties without providing the necessary footpath infrastructure,” he said.

In response to recent announcements by Labor regarding footpath renewal, Dr Kerridge questioned their focus on this issue after a decade under Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. He expressed concerns about their ability to deliver on this promise, stating, “Only a Kerridge-led council will deliver the footpath rescue package Newcastle needs.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen Responds to Kerridge’s Footpath Announcement

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen has responded to Dr Ross Kerridge’s announcement, criticising the plan as a reactionary move.

“This is policy on the run from Dr Kerridge in response to the Paving the Way plan announced by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Newcastle Labor earlier in the week,” said Cr Clausen. “Labor Councillors have done the hard work necessary to enable us to deliver upon our commitments, including developing and publicly exhibiting the comprehensive Walking and Mobility Plan needed to accelerate footpath delivery into the next term of Council.”

Cr Clausen further highlighted that during the current term of Council, Newcastle Labor has already delivered new footpaths and reformed the Development Control Plan (DCP) to ensure developers contribute to the infrastructure needed for new developments. “These new requirements reflect best practice in local government,” he added, referencing the DCP control.

Cr Clausen also questioned the financial feasibility of Dr Kerridge’s plans. “His team has now made multiple expensive policy announcements, alongside commitments to cut council revenue. How will Dr Kerridge balance the budget? What council jobs and local services will he cut to fund his commitments?” Cr Clausen asked, calling for greater transparency on how these plans would be funded.