Tradies from local company Kerb Placers have been working to lay new pathway along Sims Road as part of a Bundaberg Regional Council project aimed at boosting connectivity.
Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said the team was contracted for the construction of 650 metres of pathway along Sims Road, as well as a small section on Elliott Heads Road.
“The construction started in November and we are hoping it will be finished in early April 2022, weather depending,” Cr Trevor said.
“Council is very keen to see work done locally so it's fantastic that the team from Kerb Placers are undertaking this project.”
Cr Trevor said the new footpath was identified as part of Council's Active Transport Strategy 2020 – 2025 which outlined the need for more pathways in the region.
He said the Sims Road pathway would provide many benefits.
“According to research, Bundaberg's average percentage of people who require assistance with core activities is 8.3 per cent, well above the national average of 5.1 per cent,” he said.
“The pathway strategy not only helps meet the needs of people through providing pathways as a means of exercise, but it is also creating connectivity within the community.”
Managing Director of Kerb Placers Ben Halliday said the pathway installation had been underway since November.
“We have been working along Sims Road now for approximately six weeks,” he said.
“As part of the construction we are installing a 1.8-metre-wide path from Boundary Street all the way through to Elliott Heads Road.
“We are also providing a pedestrian refuge at Elliott Heads Road.
“The physical work involved is predominately concrete and kerb work, a little bit of detailed excavation, minor earth works and landscaping.”
Cr Trevor said providing connectivity for all abilities as well as spaces for people to exercise was an important goal of Council.
“We have a lot of elderly people in small, motorised vehicles who need to get around and there are also plenty of aged care facilities, so we need to make sure we are providing these residents with pathways,” he said.
“Many years ago, I was in a wheelchair and tried to get from A to B and I realised how difficult it was.
“This project is about connecting our community and making it better for people of all abilities.”
The timeline for completion of the Sims Road pathway is April 2022.
