The council adopted a broad new pathways plan in May that will require significant funds to roll out across the council area.

An analysis of the proposed works will need to be undertaken, council officers have advised, to determine what items in the pathways plan could be funded from Section 94 contributions.

These are the funds council requires developers to pay for each lot sold so that residents can have access to certain infrastructure like libraries, community halls and footpaths.

Cr Sally Dover endorsed the review at last Tuesday’s council meeting as a matter of safety.

“When we consider our ageing population and reliance on mobility scooters it’s crucial,” she said.

“There are hundred of kilometres needed across Port Stephens.”

Pathways proved a hot topic at the council meeting.

Cr Dover also pushed through a resolution to extend a footpath at Salamander Bay from McDonalds, on Bagnalls Beach Road, around the roundabout onto Salamander Way and west to connect with the driveway of the car wash. 

The council will spend some of the proceeds from the shopping centre development to cover the estimated $16,852 project.

“Because the pathway ends we’re seeing mobility scooters negotiate the roundabout in traffic,” Cr Dover said. 

Council secured approval in April to subdivide 155 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay into seven lots including five current development lots over the eastern side of the site and two future development lots over the northern and western sides of the site.