Footpaths and the Pedestrian Access Strategy

We’re responsible for maintaining and constructing footpaths across the Mornington Peninsula. Our Pedestrian Access Strategy identifies and prioritises footpath construction across the Shire. 

Pedestrian Access Strategy

The Pedestrian Access Strategy has a vision to create a safe, accessible and connected pedestrian network that encourages and facilitates walking to key day to day destinations. Improved connectivity and safety of the footpath network throughout the Shire will not only increase accessibility for those with disabilities, but will also promote active transport including walking, cycling and other non-vehicular modes of movement.

Each year, we get a significant number of community requests for new footpaths. Our efforts to construct new footpaths are guided by our Pedestrian Access Strategy 2024. The Strategy aims to create a safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian network and is guided by State Government directives on pedestrian network planning, land use planning and transport planning.

Download: Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB)

To highlight a pedestrian access issue you can place a pin on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) map or complete the footpath details form.

The Principal Pedestrian Network 

The Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) is a mapped network of integrated and connected routes encouraging pedestrian movement.

It supports safe and accessible travel into and around key destinations.

The PPN has identified a network of streets throughout the Peninsula where new footpaths are needed and where existing footpaths form part of the network.

How do I know if a footpath is on the PPN?

To view our network of footpaths, please go to our online interactive map below.

You can also provide comments on this map, and they will be reviewed every two years through the duration of the Strategy to ensure the network remains up to date and is meeting any of the community’s changing needs.

Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) map

How do we prioritise footpaths?

All paths identified on the PPN are evaluated against an Evaluation Methodology using the following factors to decide construction priority:

Pedestrian Safety and Risk: are the current conditions creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians?

Connectivity and Accessibility: does the planned network connect to day-to-day destination and provide accessibility?

Supplementary Assessments: Are there factors that will significantly impact, biodiversity, cultural heritage, or constructability?

Pedestrian Safety and Risk

Road Safety (30%)

  • Pedestrian crash locations
  • Speed limits
  • Traffic volumes

 

 

 

 

60%

Pedestrian type (15%)

  • Vulnerable users

Topography (15%)

  • Difficult terrain and Visibility and line of sight
  • Sufficient space to facilitate walking

Connectivity and Accessibility

Local connectivity (20%)

  • Near primary and secondary destinations
  • Allow direct access to public transport nodes

 

 

 

 

40%

Community demand (15%)

  • Allow access for higher populated areas

Network (5%)

  • Available alterative/parallel routes

Supplementary assessments

  • Biodiversity impact
  • Cultural heritage impact
  • Constructability
  • Arterial roads

 

Y / N


The full Evaluation Methodology used to prioritise footpaths can be found in Appendix A of the Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB).

Upcoming high priority footpaths

Currently there are 118 footpaths identified under the PPN which have been given a priority ranking. The Footpath Construction List provides a ranked listing of footpaths that have been evaluated using the methodology in Appendix A of The Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB). This list and the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) will be reviewed every 2 years throughout the duration of the Strategy.

The Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB) guides the Shire in proposing the highest priority footpaths for funding through the annual capital works budget bid process and external funding opportunities. However, the order of footpath construction is dependent on funding availability which can be influenced by a number of factors, such as biodiversity and / or cultural heritage impact and constructability, which is highlighted in the Footpath Construction List.

Download: Footpath Construction List 2024 - 2026(PDF, 1MB)

What if I want to request a footpath that is not on the PPN?

If your street or road has not been identified on the map or Footpath Construction List, it is unlikely to be constructed by the Shire through the Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB) or complete the footpath details form.

New footpath requests falling outside the PPN are considered to be funded via a special charge scheme, where property owners deemed to gain a special benefit from the works are required to contribute towards the cost of the project. Additional information on special charge schemes can be found here: Special Charge Schemes.

What if I want to report a footpath maintenance issue?

The Pedestrian Access Strategy(PDF, 8MB) outlines where footpath networks are and guides the construction of new footpaths. The maintenance of our footpaths falls under our Road Management Plan.

If you have spotted an issue with maintenance and upkeep of a footpath, please report the problem via our Report a Problem webpage.

Recent and Current Footpath Construction Projects

Martin Street/Crib Point Schools Project

In 2022, we completed works on the Crib Point Schools Footpath Project involving the construction of new footpaths on Martin Street and Colin Parade. The project has increased pedestrian connectivity in Crib Point and made it easier for residents to reach Crib Point Primary School and St Josephs Catholic Primary School.

Camp Hill Road, Somers

In 2022, we completed stage 1 works of the Camp Hill Road footpath project. Stage 1 involved construction of a new footpath from south of Tasman Road through to R.W. Stone Reserve. The project is making it easier for residents of Somers to walk to Somers Primary School, R.W. Stone Reserve and the Somers foreshore area. Stage 2 of this project is underway and 290 metres of path from The Boulevard to Sandy Point Road is currently being constructed. This is expected to be completed in April 2024.

Nepean Highway Mornington to Mt Eliza

The project is currently in the concept and planning phase and is proposed to include footpath along the northern side of Nepean Hwy from Mornington Secondary College to Volitans Road to the existing footpath on Nepean Hwy at Mount Eliza, therefore providing a link to the Mount Eliza township.

Detailed Design for stage 1 and 2 has been worked through within MPSC with the aim of reaching final Detailed Design by the early 2024. Construction for stage 1 and 2 are subject to funding to follow in subsequent fiscal years.

Broadway, Capel Sound

Stage 1 construction of a footpath along Broadway to connect into existing footpaths on Truemans Road and Elizabeth Avenue is underway and is expected to be completed it 2024. This project has been incorporated into a road improvement project under the Roads to Recovery Program, that was identified as a high priority and also includes a pedestrian refuge crossing immediately east of Eliza Street, and an upgrade of bus stop facilities including indented bus pull over areas and formalised waiting areas.

Baden Powell Drive

The project is currently in the concept and planning phase and is proposed to be undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 includes a footpath along the northern side of Baden Powell Drive (from Humphries Road to approximately 122 Baden Powell Drive). Stage 2 involves extending this path via Baden Powell Drive and Nepean Highway to the existing footpath network on Canadian Bay Road, therefore providing a link to the Mount Eliza township.

Detailed design for stage 1 is being progressed with the aim of reaching final design by the early 2024 year, it is noted that a standard Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be required, and that approval will be required by the Registered Aboriginal Party prior to any construction works. Construction for stage 1 and detail design for stage 2 are subject to funding to follow in subsequent fiscal years.

Alma/Field Street, Tootgarook / Rye

Stage 1 construction of the Alma/Field Street footpath project was completed in 2023 and provides almost 1km of footpath from Weeroona Street to Marshall Street. Stage 2 will involve a further 1.5km of footpath to extend the pathway through to Trumans Road. This is expected to be completed in 2024.

Missing Links Program

Works were undertaken in 2023 along the Rosebud Foreshore near the Boneo Road/ Pt Nepean Road intersection to complete a missing path link from the signalised pedestrian crossing to a recently installed PTV bus stop. The link provides an accessible path of travel between public transport and the Port Phillip Plaza commercial precinct. Works included a 125 metre long, 2m wide exposed aggregate concrete path along the Point Nepean Road foreshore.