Construction Criteria

The following list of criteria and descriptions are applied to determine priorities in developing future proposed footpath construction programs within the Mount Barker District Council.

1. Significantly enhances public safety (30%)

Provision of adequate pedestrian facilities, based on a risk assessment, will significantly reduce the possibility of pedestrian - vehicle accidents e.g. in circumstances where a pedestrian has to step onto the actual road due to obstructions or topography and safe passage along the footway.

2. Provides linkage with other paths to create a network (20%) 

Throughout the district, a number of sections of footpaths are incomplete i.e. parts are yet to be constructed and do not provide a continual link for pedestrians. The installation of paths to ‘fill in’ incomplete sections will assist in providing safe routes to various facilities and services within our townships or in some cases, at least provide a continual path network that encourages a healthy lifestyle through encouraging pedestrian exercise activity.

3. Provides access to widely used public facilities (20%) 

These sections provide access to Council facilities such as recreation & sporting grounds, playgrounds, community halls, public conveniences, bus stops and links to linear trails.

4. Close proximity to pedestrian generating facilities (20%) 

Provides links to and from facilities such as Aged Care, education/schools, and shopping and tourism precincts.

5. High Visual Impact – Urban Image (10%) 

Entrances into townships may be considered for inclusion in order to enhance the visual amenity and urban image of our district. 

Other Considerations

Prone to future development works 

These sections may provide important links to the footpath network but may be deemed to be less desirable to construct in the short term due to the likelihood of development occurring that may cause damage to the new path adjacent to the works. (An example of this is Hutchinson Street, Mt Barker between Morphett and Druids on the west side were significant development is proposed to occur in relation to new shopping facilities.) In some cases the development activity may also include footpath works by the developer.

External Funding Opportunities 

Recognition that projects may be given a higher priority if external funding is available. Higher priority will be assigned to projects where the net cost is substantially reduced.

Substantial pre-planning required 

Sections of the footpath may require substantial pre-planning including but not limited to:

• Community consultation

• Liaison with external bodies such as Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

• Detailed design requirements due to service locations, drainage issues, etc.

• Land acquisition

• Encroachment

It is recommended that where footpaths do require substantial preplanning, some funding (excluding construction) be allocated the year preceding construction to allow sufficient time for the planning, service alterations, land acquisition and design to be carried out.

If you require further information, please email Council’s Assets department: council@mountbarker.sa.gov.au

Make a request

Written requests, addressing the above relevant criteria, should be forwarded to:

Attention: Administration, Assets

Subject: Footpaths

Email: council@mountbarker.sa.gov.au

Mail: PO Box 54, MOUNT BARKER SA 5255

Fax: 08 8391 7200 

Additional Information

There is no guarantee that requests included on the eligible applications list will be successful. Council will continue to monitor the condition of the footways and undertake maintenance as required.

The Footpath Program forms part of the Annual Capital Works Program, which is subject to public consultation as part of Council’s Annual Business Plan. This public consultation is a statutory requirement.