Engaging communities to shape Active Transport in Brewarrina Shire

November 19, 2024 – Brewarrina Shire Council is paving the way for a more connected and accessible future with the development of the Brewarrina Shire Active Transport Strategy. Over the past week, their project team conducted a series of drop-in site audits and engagement sessions across the Shire, visiting key locations to hear directly from the community and key stakeholders about their transport needs and priorities.

During visits to Goodooga, Brewarrina, Angledool, Weilmoringle and Gongolgon, the team were able to engage with local businesses, schools and the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council. At every stop across the district, opportunities were sought for informal conversations with residents, from elders to schoolchildren, sports groups and local community organisations to ensure diverse voices were heard.

To further engage the community, two pop-up information stalls were held at Memorial Park in Brewarrina and at the Brewarrina Pool. These settings provided an excellent opportunity to connect with children, families, and elderly residents, sparking discussions about the need for connected and formalised footpaths to address concerns and ideas including wet weather challenges, shade trees to combat extreme heat, and better wayfinding and interpretation of cultural places.

The project team listened closely to the challenges and aspirations of the community, including a review of the bus network, particularly for school routes; traffic calming for heavy vehicles in towns; and the formalisation of existing pathways with pavement, lighting, and shade to enhance safety and accessibility.

“This strategy is about making active transport a real and accessible choice for everyone in the Brewarrina Shire. By hearing directly from locals, we’re ensuring that the final strategy reflects the unique needs and aspirations of our community,” said David Kirby, General Manager Brewarrina Shire Council.

“If you missed out on the in-person engagement opportunities over the past week, but have ideas to add, we are currently still seeking feedback via an online survey. The community is encouraged to head to Council’s website and complete the survey and helps us make a difference.

“The feedback collected from the sessions last week and via our online survey will inform the development of the Active Transport Strategy, which aims to deliver practical solutions to enhance mobility, safety, and community wellbeing across the Shire. This strategy will then feed into and guide design elements and principles in all public works moving forward, including our Main Street upgrades.

“Council extends its thanks to everyone who has participated and contributed so far, and we look forward to presenting the draft strategy for further community feedback in the coming months,” concluded Mr Kirby.