COUNCIL has not only talked the talk, but walked the walk, making a commitment to build at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths across Newcastle in the next four years.
The city's footpath network will be expanded by 20 kilometres and up to 30 if feasible, an average of at least 5000m of new footpaths each year.
The notice of motion was put forward in September by Labor councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Declan Clausen, former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and new addition Paige Johnson.
At Tuesday's meeting, Cr Nelmes acknowledged the proactive work that has been done, particularly to fill existing gaps but ensuring an equitable distribution of new footpaths across the city.
"We are all elected under the Local Government Act to represent all of the city, and I think it's really important to be reminded of that when we are making decisions to ensure the fairness and the equity and distribution of council resources right throughout the city and suburbs," she said.
Building and repairing at least 30km of new footpaths across the city over the next council term was also a cornerstone of lord mayor Ross Kerridge's election campaign.
In its 2024-25 works program, City of Newcastle has set aside $1.2 million for footpaths, $3.2 million for cycleways and $690,000 for its Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan.
That was before the goal of 20km of new footpaths in four years was put forward.
Cr Clausen said a lot of heavy lifting in terms of planning and consultation was undertaken by the previous council.
"Clearly, I think there are many of us that feel very passionate about footpaths in the city," he said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to see more footpath connections delivered across Newcastle, improvements in pedestrian infrastructure in older suburbs as well as newer ones and new footpaths, as well as enhancing the existing ones."
The council has also committed to enhancing the maintenance of the city's existing 1000km of footpaths "to ensure the long-term safety and accessibility" of all pathways.
A "proactive approach" will now be taken to footpath planning, moving away from "only delivering reactive footpath projects" towards what the four Labor councillors described as a "consultative, strategy and data-driven approach".
New footpaths would be prioritised in line with the draft Walking and Mobility Plan in areas that address "critical gaps" in access to local amenities.
In particular, Birmingham Gardens, Adamstown, Elemore Vale, Waratah West, North Lambton, Kotara and Wallsend have been identified as priority areas.
The draft Walking and Mobility Plan was put on public exhibition between June and August and drew more than 100 submissions from residents, a majority of which supported the expansion of footpaths and crossings across the city.
The plan drew criticism from Liberal Cr Callum Pull and former Independent Cr John Church at the time for "cannabilising road amenity" and pitting commuters who drive against the "small minority" who do not.
This week Cr Pull said he looked forward to seeing the policy come back to council and whether some of those concerns had been addressed.
"The core of this motion relates to making sure that we are having that proactive approach to maintenance and building new footpaths," he said.
"And the people of Ward Four understand just exactly why that is so important."
The 10-year plan aims to make walking and active transport the natural choice for short trips and prioritise pedestrians in all infrastructure upgrades across the city.
The final plan will be presented to the new council in late-2024.
