21 August 2023
August is Queensland Walks Month and with the 2023 theme being Walk Explore, creating improved pedestrian pathways and more walkable environments for the Southern Downs is one way to celebrate walking as a sustainable transport alternative.
Southern Downs Regional Council is developing two Walking Network Plans for Warwick and Stanthorpe. Both towns are inviting community input to help pave a pathway forward for upcoming infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades will improve the ‘walkability’ of neighbourhoods and spaces in Warwick and Stanthorpe.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi highlighted that pedestrian-friendliness of a neighbourhood hinges on its walkability. He encourages community participating in shaping this strategic blueprint, emphasising its significance for both present and future generations to embrace vibrant local lifestyles.
“Walkable neighbourhoods address many social and economic problems through social interaction, physical fitness, diminishing crime and increasing wellness, and the community’s input will be instrumental in driving the mechanics of delivering new pedestrian infrastructure projects,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“The Walking Network Plans are part of a broader body of work which aims to use planning, design and population density to maximize walking opportunities in the Southern Downs and make active transport a more accessible choice.
“Whether you walk, run, roll or stroll anywhere, this strategy will aim to identify priority routes where improvements to the connectivity, legibility and accessibility of pedestrian routes between key locations will enhance the liveability of our region.
“Council is proactively exploring potential pedestrian paths and facilities in the Southern Downs and I urge the community to get involved and share their ideas for a region that is easy to walk and explore.
“To create modern, people-centric streets, it is important to hear from the people who use or would like to use the paths and crossings throughout Warwick and Stanthorpe.
“During Queensland Walks Month I encourage the community to walk and explore the existing pedestrian spaces and feed through new opportunities and ideas for improvement via the Have Your Say section on Council’s website.”
Having a say is easy. Simply go to the Have Your Say section at
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/walking-network-plan-for-warwick-and-stanthorpe-cbds, provide feedback, place a pin on the location of your choice and include a comment or concern on the pedestrian network using the Online Mapping tool. Please provide your input prior to 1 September 2023.
Council has already initiated several pedestrian trails through its official Southern Down & Granite Belt Visitor App, including the Artistic Stanthorpe Walking Trail, Artistic Warwick Walking Trail and the Warwick CBD Heritage Walking Trail, with more trails in the works.
The development of the Walking Network Plans in Warwick and Stanthorpe is proudly co-funded by Council and the Queensland Government’s Walking Local Government Grants Program.
Last edited date 21 Aug 2023