1 August 2023
“Joining Forces for Pedestrian Accessibility: A Unified Call to Action by a 30-Strong Alliance”
The Queensland Walking Alliance, a coalition of 30 Queensland local, state, and national organisations has called on all three levels of government agencies, community leaders, engineers and planners alike to take the lead on accessibility and inclusion in Queensland for walking.
The paper titled ‘Accessibility and Inclusion for walking, rolling and strolling: A Call To Action’ released today, on the launch of Queensland Walks Month called on 5 Actions that will help improve Queensland and ensure that we are inclusive to all Queenslanders, and that we successfully prepare to host the Paralympic Games in 2032.
“Every Queenslander is a pedestrian at some stage in their journey and in their day, and many Queenslanders rely on our pedestrian networks and infrastructure like footpaths and kerb ramps to access public transport, work and school and actively participate in the community” says Anna Campbell, Executive Officer of Queensland Walks.
“900,000 Queenslanders have a disability, and a quarter of Queenslanders don’t have a driving licence.” says QDN CEO Michelle Moss, “Accessible pedestrian infrastructure is critical to our members to participate in daily life and successful employment.”
“Over 800,000 Queenslanders are aged over 65 years, we know that there will be 1.7 million Queenslanders by 2050 who need good quality connected footpaths that are well maintained and free from trip and falls hazards. Our members are more likely to need good access to public transport, and this includes paths and ramps and good seating and shading too.” Says COTA Q CEO Darren Young.
Spokesperson Anna Campbell for the Alliance collation said “We are delighted to be supported and work directly with the Queensland Government to improve walking conditions via the work of the Action Plan for Walking, and we urge all three levels of government to increase funding and investment in pedestrian-specific planning, policy and infrastructure upgrades.
South East Queensland is in a good place to improve the conditions for walking, rolling and strolling, however we lack the funding commitment to deliver accessible infrastructure that will benefit all Queenslanders.
The Alliance Actions include:
- Comprehensive footpath network reviews
- Dedicated pedestrian infrastructure grants
- Increased investment in footpath networks as a priority transport mode
- Pedestrian training and staff resources ensuring Whole Journey Planning
- Dedicated walking strategies and plans
Statistics
- There are 900,000 Queenslanders with a disability in Queensland[1]
- By 2050 it is expected that there will be 1.7 million Queensland who are 65 years or older – and more reliant on walking for transport[2]
- 25% Queenslanders do not have a driving licence[3]
Queensland Walks encourages people to complete a ‘Walk My Street Audit’ which found that:
- 36% says that their street makes them feel like walking more often and inviting more friends. Investment in walking infrastructure is essential.
- 51% walkers don’t have a sealed footpath on their street.
- 56% said that there wasn’t a kerb ramp at the end of the footpath – making the footpath non-accessible.
- 61% said that they don’t have a safe place to cross the road easily and safely and without fear.
- 64% said that vehicles in their street were not slow enough to feel safe while walking.
- 67% walkers said that their footpath is not well-maintained.
- 74% walkers said that their footpath was not wide enough.
- 84% said that their footpath was not shaded, cool or protected from sun exposure or heat.
[1] Queenslanders with Disability Network 2020, My Disability Matters
[2] Department of Communities, Disabilities and Services 2020, Who are older Queenslanders?
[3] Department of Transport and Mian Roads 2022, Licensing Statistics, 30 June
