FEWER than half the 8987 defects identified in Canberra’s path network in a 2021 audit have been repaired within the 18-month timeframe identified, says Greens MLA Jo Clay. 

“Canberra’s paths need urgent investment to ensure that they are safe and accessible for all Canberrans,” said Clay, ACT Greens transport spokesperson. 

“Only 4371 have been repaired to date, that’s not even half.” 

She then conflated her strident criticism of the ACT government, of which she is a member, from being failure to deliver footpath repairs to an argument about funding. 

“It is clear that the average funding for paths of just $5.1 million per annum is inadequate to ensure that we are repairing, maintaining and expanding our path network,” she said.

Ms Clay then gave a telling nod and a wink to the upcoming ACT budget suggesting that without a “significant lift” in funding, Canberra’s path network would continue to be a barrier to safe and accessible walking, riding and wheeling around the city. 

“Canberra must be a city which invests adequately in its path network so that everyone is able to get around our city regardless of their mobility or transport choice. I will continue to fight for this to be the case,” she said with, presumably, a straight face.