AT least 20 kilometres of new footpaths will be delivered in the next four years if Newcastle council votes to walk the walk at its inaugural meeting this week.
A notice of motion could see the council commit to expanding the city's footpath network 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.
Cr Adamczyk said staff, community and industry experts have worked collaboratively to deliver an approach that meets community needs and addresses "critical gaps" in social infrastructure.
"The community feedback we received during the draft Walking and Mobility Plan's public exhibition shows just how important accessible footpaths are for our community, and expanding our footpath network will make a real difference for residents' safety and mobility," she said.
"Our focus is delivering new footpaths to ensure more access to our local community amenities, such as pools, playgrounds, bus stops and train stations, town centres, schools, businesses and community halls and I'm excited to see these plans being implemented."
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.
While he did not take issue with the general tone of the motion, Cr Kerridge said the finer details, like how the program of works would be funded, will need to be worked out.
"On our initial understanding my feeling was it would be affordable, but obviously my information would have to be advised by the council organisation as we get more information on what they can afford and planning for the next four years," he said.
"Our election campaign expressed concern about the general direction of council spending and a need to steer some spending back onto basic amenities like footpaths, public toilets and potholes, those things matter but you can't just make that decision in a council minute at a council meeting.
"The role of the council is to say we think there needs to be more emphasis on footpaths and work with council officers to work out how you can do that, whether there needs to be a change to the budget and where the money will come from."
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.
The motion would also see the council commit to enhancing the maintenance of the city's existing 1000km of footpaths "to ensure the long-term safety and accessibility" of all pathways.
If the idea is given the green light, the council would adopt a "proactive approach" to footpath planning, moving away from "only delivering reactive footpath projects" towards what the four Labor councillors describe 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 for new footpaths.
Labor Cr Declan Clausen said he is proud to be delivering on a promise.
"This significant investment will ensure that our city's footpaths are better connected and maintained, safer and more accessible for everyone in our community," he said.
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.
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.
