Description: Hervey Bay City Council (now Fraser Coast Regional Council) commissioned this strategy to develop a walking and cycling plan for the local government area. The vision of Living Streets is for streets and parks to become alive with people along with a reduction in the predominance of the motor vehicles. The integrated strategy addressed infrastructure provision through development of a network plan and supporting strategies. Strategies included: Education and Enforcement; Encouragement; Planning; and, Integration with other Council activities. An action plan was developed identifying responsibilities, priorities and potential funding sources. The network plan was prioritised through a detailed process which enabled the development of a capital works program.
Achievements
Council officers have been successful in implementing the Strategy. Some of the initiatives implemented include:
- Sponsorship of the Ride2School day event and contribution towards a secure bicycle parking compound at the local high school
- Preparation of a Living Streets brochure for existing and new residents
- Ongoing commitment to its implementation in the operational plan budget
- Preparation of a walk and cycle map for residents and tourists
- Implementation of further stages of the “Links Corridor” and other network components
- Support for the development of a bicycle user group
- Incorporation of key principles into the planning scheme and corporate plan
- Training sessions conducted with all council staff and customer service officers
- Regular usage counts undertaken of major pathways in the shire
- 10000 steps program implemented for Council officers
- Improvements to centres through streetscaping works, incorporating lower speeds, landscaping, pedestrian facilities and narrower streets
Lessons learnt
- Ownership of the Strategy by council officers from all sections is important for the success of the plan
- Networking and providing information to local Councillors was also an important aspect to its successful implementation
- The development of a Bicycle User Group has also been successful in the continual advocacy of council to implement the plan.
- Partnerships formed with implementation agencies important to its success