Action Plan for Walking
We are taking action to create more walkable communities and encourage more walking. Through the first action plan, 44 actions have been delivered including longer-term and ongoing actions.
As we complete each action, we will publish an Action Summary under each of our 4 priority areas:
- Planning for walkable communities and places
- Building connected, comfortable and safe walking environments for all
- Encouraging more people to walk as part of their 'everyday'
- Working together to deliver for walking.
Planning for walkable communities and places
Footpaths and pathways are just one part of a quality walking environment.
Many things contribute to making irresistible places to walk – a mix of close destinations to walk to, parks and open spaces, safety and surveillance, accessibility, places to stop and rest and integration with public transport.
Queensland summers are hot and bring heavy rainfall in some areas, which means we also need to provide shade, shelter and water fountains on walking routes.
Walkable environments support connected communities, providing places where people can meet, socialise and strengthen relationships.
Building connected, comfortable and safe walking environments for all
Delivering networks that are accessible for people of all ages and abilities will result in more inclusive, active and healthy communities.
Queenslanders told us that providing more connected, smooth and even paths, shelter and street trees along routes, greater separation from traffic, and lower traffic speeds in the right places will encourage them to walk more.
Encouraging more people to walk as part of their 'everyday'
Walking is fun, free and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Walking for short trips can be an easy way to include physical activity into daily routines.
How we travel or choose to spend our recreational time can become habitual. A short car trip to school or the shops becomes a routine that is unlikely to change without an encouraging nudge.
Working together to deliver for walking
To deliver walking environments that are attractive, enjoyable and accessible to everyone, we must prioritise walking in our policies, planning, operations and infrastructure.
Queensland’s state government and its 77 local governments all play a role in creating walkable environments for people.
Our communities, the private sector and other stakeholders also need to be involved.
- Last updated 24 October 2023