The petition called on Campaspe Shire Council to consider constructing a footpath on the north side of Rose St, running from Boothman St to the Northern Hwy.
The issue was first raised in April, and the council unanimously voted in favour of the motion at its meeting on Tuesday, September 23, following an investigation into the footpath’s feasibility.
A dirt track has been created by foot traffic on Rose St, which Cr Zoe Cook said highlighted the need for the path.
Cr Luke Sharrock noted that both Australian Christian College and Rotary Park were accessed via the street, making it a busy area for children and families.
With 5000 lots flagged for development in the nearby Echuca West Precinct Structure Plan, Cr Tony Marwood said building the footpath was a forward-thinking move.
“Rose St will become, eventually, a major thoroughfare to help get some of those 5000 house lots into Echuca,” he said.
“It’s right to do it for that reason on its own, but also for the bus stop.”
There are two bus stops on Rose St near the Northern Hwy, with the north side stop falling into the area the footpath is proposed.
As the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for the stop, the council said it would advocate for it to build a concrete stand to replace the current stop.
Accessibility issues were also raised, which Mayor Daniel Mackrell said would be addressed with future works.
“The requested new footpath will improve pedestrian access in the area, especially for elderly residents and those with prams or mobility aids,” he said.
“Council’s footpath replacement program is continually assessing the footpath network to determine the replacement program for the coming years.”
The requested footpath connection will be referred to a future Capital Works Program for consideration as part of the Missing Links Footpath Program.
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