The work is scheduled to be carried out over the next four years. Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said she hoped the program would encourage a fit, healthy and active lifestyle.

“The easier it is to walk around, the more likely residents will be to leave their cars at home,” Dr Byrne said.

“Our strategic footpath plan is about building footpaths where they’re needed most; around schools, transport hubs, shopping centres and nearby residential areas.

“We’re going to strive to make moving around the Shire as easy as possible for our residents.”

One of the footpaths currently being constructed is on Old Northern Rd. It requires cutting an embankment and building a retaining wall to allow for construction of the footpath.