Seminar - Walkability in rural and regional communities

Presenter: Liz Beck

Liz Beck, Senior Project Manager, Transport Choices at New Plymouth District Council will present from New Zealand. For 13 years Liz has delivered walking and cycling initiatives in this regional city – one of two model walking and cycling communities supported by the NZ Transport Agency.

Her presentation will include:

• The Let’s Go behaviour change program.
• The hugely successful Coastal Walkway
• CBD improvements including 30 km/h speed limits, streetscape redevelopment and innovative pedestrian crossings.

Presenters: Rachael Ashton (pictured right/above) and Emma Allsop (below)

A collaboration between Bass Coast Shire Council and Department of Transport and Planning, this project has introduced significant enhancements to pedestrian safety and community well-being in Wonthaggi. By constructing two new raised pedestrian crossings on Graham Street, adjacent to Plaza Arcade and Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, and upgrading an existing zebra crossing on Murray Street, a safer crossing network connecting key areas of the CBD has been established. These crossings feature flashing lights and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h, ensuring pedestrians can navigate the streets safely and access shops and services with ease. Moreover, the project has transformed the streetscape with new greenery, seating, and pavement artwork, including pieces by indigenous Australian artist Koorrin Edwards, symbolising unity and community gathering. With the completion of these infrastructure upgrades, our initiative not only fosters safer streets but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and cultural vibrancy of Wonthaggi's CBD, promoting a sense of belonging and connectivity among residents and visitors alike.

Rachael is Manager Transport Strategy in the Gippsland Region for the Department of Transport Planning. She is passionate about taking a people first approach to planning and designing our roads and streets – considering not just today’s needs but looking into the future.  

Emma Allsop, Major Projects Officer at Bass Coast Shire Council, is a dedicated community advocate with roots in Bass Coast. Passionate about her hometown, Emma channels her commitment into delivering impactful legacy projects that enhance the well-being and vibrancy of the community she calls home.

Presenter: Megan Goode

Megan will present on Way This Way – an active footpath and community engagement project in two small towns in Loddon Shire, Inglewood and Pyramid Hill. The project includes the installation of:

• A series of fun footpath stickers to encourage children and adults alike to be active in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill;
• Seating along walking paths in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill; and
• The development of a new mapped walking loop in Inglewood township.

The project was delivered with a small budget and limited time constraints.

Megan Goode is the Healthy Loddon Campaspe Health Broker at Loddon Shire Council and has a variety of experience in local government working in community development, positive ageing and health promotion. Megan’s qualifications are in Exercise Physiology having worked in both public hospitals and private settings and as a qualified bike education instructor she has a wealth of experience in supporting physical activity and health and wellbeing in the community.