New footpath boosts pedestrian safety in Texas

A new footpath along Wilson Street in Texas will improve pedestrian access and safety, said the Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM during a visit to the town yesterday.

The new footpath runs from Avon Street to Broadway Street (East). Goondiwindi Regional Council allocated $30,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Grant towards the project.

Speaking during his visit to Texas on Tuesday morning, Cr Springborg said the new path would mean safer travel for residents – in particular, the elderly and those with young children. There are a number of residential units for older people along Wilson Street, as well as a local kindergarten. The road is also a popular walking route towards the Texas swimming pool and All Abilities Park just around the corner.

“I’m very proud that Council was able to successfully secure this LRCI funding for this project, as it’s a great opportunity to invest in the safety and accessibility of a high-traffic area within Texas,” the Mayor said.

Cr Springborg said the project had been prioritised as the road was a popular route for pedestrians but did not previously have a footpath.

“As always, public infrastructure is the priority for this Council,” he said. “It’s especially important to make sure residents can walk or cycle to their destination as safely as possible.”

Council has allocated nearly $600,000 towards footpath repairs and upgrades, pedestrian crossings and bikeways across the region as part of its 2021-22 Budget. This will be partially funded by the state government’s 2021-24 Works For Queensland and Cycle Network Local Government Grants programs.

The project complements the construction of a new footpath on Flemming Street, which will soon connect the popular Dumaresq River rest area and free campground to the Texas CBD.

The project will also complement the recent work in Yelarbon to improve pedestrian safety along Eena Street from the Yelarbon State School to Lagoon Street, and the Lamberth Road cycleway in Goondiwindi, which completed a vital ‘missing link’ in the town’s cycle network.

Cr Springborg said that external funding programs like the LRCI grant were an important opportunity for local councils to put money towards meaningful infrastructure projects.

“The LRCI grant has provided a tremendous opportunity to invest in a vital piece of community infrastructure that will hopefully support the Texas community for decades to come,” the Mayor said.

"By successfully funding the Wilson Street footpath project externally, Council has been able to invest in the improved safety and accessibility of the Texas township - at no extra cost to the ratepayer.”

Council engaged a local contractor to construct the path for the project.