Mayor Tony Driscoll said four major footpath programs were carried out over the past 12 months to improve safety and connect key locations. 

“We have almost completed our 2016-17 footpath program which has involved works in both of the shire’s major townships,” he said. 

“Upgrades have been carried out on a number of paths that receive high volumes of foot traffic, including disability and tourist routes.” 

At St Arnaud, the footpath along North Western Road which connected the aged care facility and school to the town centre received $65,000 in improvements.

A new $30,000 footpath was also constructed in Queens Avenue which joined existing paths and assisted people travelling to and from McCallum Disability Services. 

Works in Stawell included a $26,000 upgrade of the footpath in Alfred Street which improved access to the Stawell Leisure Complex and connected pedestrian traffic with the town centre. 

Cr Driscoll said Longfield Street also received a $26,000 upgrade. 

“The high traffic area is used by a number of students to access the pedestrian crossing at Western Highway, as well people walking to McDonalds and the BP service station,” he said.

Eventide Homes resident carer Toni Williams said the upgrades would open up easier access for residents and other elderly members of the community to get around. 

“It will make things a lot safer for our residents and everyone else,” she said. 

“It is reassuring that residents will have safe travel up the street and not have to use the bicycle lanes which are a lot more dangerous.

“We have noticed an improvement in council’s initiative to upgrade roads and footpaths around the town and it is great to see.”