Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is supporting a local community petition calling for urgent action to deliver safe, continuous pedestrian pathways connecting Kendall, Kew, Lakewood and Laurieton.
The petition highlights the daily risks faced by residents who are currently forced to walk along narrow road edges or on uneven ground because continuous footpaths are not available between these growing communities.
Mr Dwyer said the safety of children, seniors, people with disability and anyone relying on mobility aids must be a priority.
“People should not have to put themselves in danger simply to walk to a bus stop, get to school, visit a neighbour or access local services,” Mr Dwyer said.
“In too many places across our region, pedestrians are left with no safe alternative but to walk beside busy roads, often around blind corners and with very little room to move when vehicles approach.”
“This is particularly concerning for children, older residents, wheelchair users and people using mobility scooters or other mobility aids.”
The petition calls on the NSW Government to support and advocate for funding to construct continuous, safe pedestrian footpaths linking the four communities, in cooperation with Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
Mr Dwyer said there was a need to bridge the gap between planning and actual delivery.
“Residents have been raising this issue for years. We need to move beyond plans and start delivering the infrastructure people need,” Mr Dwyer said.
Petition organiser, Naomi Louis said "I created this petition on behalf of this tight knit community who has been asking for a safe footpath from Kew to Kendall for over 25 years. This petition will get the message out there that the community is rallying, supporting and encouraging action towards the development of safe footpaths that are desperately needed for the safety of all community members.”
“Port Macquarie Hastings Council has been working on its footpath infrastructure planning, but communities need to see a clear pathway from planning and prioritisation through to funding and construction.”
Mr Dwyer said he would continue to advocate for the region's infrastructure needs and work with Council and the NSW Government to identify opportunities to progress the project.
“I support this petition because it is a practical request for basic infrastructure that will make a real difference to people's safety and independence.”
“A connected pedestrian pathway between Kendall, Kew, Lakewood and Laurieton would improve safety, accessibility and connectivity across the Camden Haven and surrounding communities.”
“I encourage local residents to get behind the petition. The stronger the community voice, the harder it is for governments to ignore the need for action,” Mr Dwyer.
To sign the petition, please visit:
Safe Footpaths E-Petition
Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977
