Wagga City Council entered a closed session on Monday night’s ordinary meeting, during which a construction tender for footpaths was formally approved.

No further funding information was released in the council minutes, however, Cr Dan Hayes said the decision to support improving access has the ability to “change lives” for Wagga residents.

“Investing in footpaths is an investment in the community,” he said.

“It will allow children to walk to school safely, improve accessibility for those with a disability, and it will enable people to get out of their house and walk to the park.”

Riverina Disability Advocacy Service executive officer Martin Butcher welcomed the funding but cautioned this could not be the only action taken.

“This decision by council is a good one but I think it’s prompted by governmental requirements to have a plan around improving access.”

“They need to be taking steps to improve access for all people and improving footpaths by removing any obstacles that may present people with disabilities or walking frames.”

Wagga has already made progress in 2018 with the proposed formation of the Wagga Access Working Group aimed at improving wheelchair and general access, but, Mr Butcher believes changing attitudes remains overlooked at a council level.

“It’s one thing to make a building accessible and another thing entirely to make services more inclusive so people with disabilities don’t feel apart from society.”