Footpath on Orchid Drive (between Autumnwood Avenue and Paperbark Street) Mount Cotton

Principal Petitioner: Carla Durand

Date of Receipt: 16 April 2026

At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.

Petition Request:

We need a safe way to walk to and from both the bus stop and the Orchid Drive Park Playground. There is currently no flat pathway to safely reach either, especially for young families with prams or those with mobility challenges. I am an amputee and have sadly fallen multiple times along this stretch—once tripping on tree debris hidden in the grass, and another time in a pothole in the uneven ground. Walking on the road is just as dangerous, with debris that can easily cause trips and cars often speeding along this straight section without regard for safety. As a result, many people cannot safely use the bus stop or access the park, particularly those using prams or mobility aids. Installing a proper footpath would benefit the entire community and greatly improve access for those who already face challenges. Better accessibility would also encourage more people to use public transport and stay active within the community. It's wonderful to see so many active families in Mount Cotton, and this would build on that—encouraging families to be active and enjoy our suburb. It would also support new and growing families to safely access local spaces. While other areas of Mount Cotton have had upgrades in recent years, this older section feels overlooked. Please sign this petition to help secure a new footpath—supporting safety, inclusion, and equal access for everyone.

Petition Response (28 May 2026):

Thank you for getting in touch and for taking the time to submit the petition regarding pedestrian safety and access along Orchid Drive in Mount Cotton.

We appreciate you raising these concerns, particularly in relation to safety, accessibility, and connecting residents to the nearby park. Feedback like this is valuable in helping Council understand the experiences of the community.

Council has reviewed the request using its usual approach to prioritising footpath improvements. This considers things such as how often an area is used by pedestrians, how locations connect to surrounding destinations, safety considerations, and other available information.

At present, the information available to Council suggests that pedestrian use along Orchid Drive is relatively low. The road primarily services local residents and access to a small neighbourhood park, which generally results in less frequent foot traffic compared with larger parks and more connected areas.

We understand there is currently an informal grassed path along parts of Orchid Drive. To support residents in the short term, Council will arrange some maintenance of this area to improve its usability. This may include levelling sections, mowing, and minor works to make the path easier to navigate.

The area also has limited connection to higher-frequency public transport services, and current usage at the nearby bus stop is relatively low. While these factors are considered, we acknowledge that they do not always reflect individual experiences of moving through the area.

We recognise and appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns regarding safety in this area. While there is currently no recorded pattern of pedestrian-related incidents at this location, feedback from community members like you plays an important role in helping us understand local conditions and experiences.

We also note that only a small number of requests have been received for a footpath in this area to date. Petitions and community input are valued and are considered alongside broader planning priorities across the city.

Based on the current assessment, Council is not planning to construct a formal footpath along Orchid Drive at this time. This reflects factors such as observed levels of use, the localised nature of the area, and competing priorities across the wider footpath network. Council will continue to monitor feedback and review priorities over time.

That said, the concerns raised through your petition will be kept on record. Should circumstances change in the future such as increased use, development in the area, or new safety considerations, the location can be reassessed.

In the meantime, we will progress improvements to the existing grassed pathway to better support day-to-day use.

Thank you again for your advocacy and for taking the time to represent your community.