Seminar - Walkability in rural and regional communities
10am - 12pm, Tuesday, 23 July
Walking is the most popular form of exercise and an important mode of transport across Australia. This online seminar will explore ways for councils and other agencies to support walking for transport, recreation and health in rural towns and regional cities.
Case study - New Plymouth, New Zealand
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.
Case study - Wonthaggi
Emma Allsop, Major Projects Officer at Bass Coast Shire Council and Rachael Ashton, Manager Transport Strategy in the Gippsland Region for the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, will present on Wonthaggi.
This collaborative project has introduced significant enhancements to pedestrian safety and community well-being in Wonthaggi. Constructing two new raised pedestrian crossings and upgrading an existing zebra crossing, accompanied by a reduced speed limit of 40km/h, the project ensures 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. This initiative not only fosters safer streets but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and cultural vibrancy of Wonthaggi's town centre.
Case study – Loddon Shire Council
Megan Goode, Healthy Loddon Campaspe Health Broker at Loddon Shire Council will present on Walk This Way - an active footpath project in two small towns in Loddon Shire, Inglewood and Pyramid Hill. The project includes:
- 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
- The development of a new mapped walking loop in Inglewood township.
The project was delivered with a small budget and limited time constraints.
State government panel
What is the role of state government in facilitating walking for recreation, transport and health and supporting rural and regional councils to do so?
This theme will be explored by a panel of state government practitioners:
- Andrew Ross, Principal Planner (Walking), Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland)
- Samantha Buckis, LGA Capability and Development Manager (Road Safety), Transport Accident Commission (Victoria)
- Simon Gray, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, Parks Victoria
All sessions will include questions and discussion from the audience.
Discount for supporters
Staff from Victoria Walks official Supporter Organisations are eligible for a 30% discount! Check to see if your organisation is a supporter here.