Our updated draft PPN presents an aspirational vision for safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable streets - helping people reach important destinations, connect with others, and enjoy recreation close to home.

It’s important to note that the Principal Pedestrian Network review is distinct from the Bicycle Network Plan. The PPN focuses exclusively on foot traffic - people walking, those using mobility aids, or people with prams. While both networks sometimes share facilities such as trails and shared pathways, the goals, priorities, and design principles for each network are developed independently to best support their specific users.

The PPN is underpinned by twelve principles:

1. High Pedestrian Demand - All streets in activity centres will be considered primary routes, aiming for footpaths on both sides where practical (may be staged).
2. Leverage Road Projects - When road upgrades are planned in PPN streets, footpaths and safety improvements will be considered simultaneously.
3. Network Connectivity - New footpaths will be connected to the existing PPN to improve network coverage and ease of movement.
4. Project-Specific Design - Wider or shared pathways may be introduced in areas with high demand, safety, or access concerns.
5. Community Engagement - Local demand and public feedback will inform the planning and design of footpaths.
6. Permeability and Safety - Efforts will focus on providing well-located, safe pedestrian crossings across major roads.
7. Interesting Walking Experience - In heritage, cultural, and natural areas, the network will highlight scenic views, architectural features, and public art.
8. Preservation - Footpath design/construction will aim to minimise impacts on the natural, built, and cultural environment.
9. Amenity - The PPN will be maintained to high standards, with street tree planting coordinated alongside footpath construction.
10. Equity - The footpath program will ensure fair access and distribution of works across the municipality.
11. Legacy - Existing PPN pathways (established since 2009) will be retained in the updated network.
12. Public Asset Focus - Improvements apply only to public land. Private streets or common property are excluded.

The review applies a 'node' and 'corridor' approach to ensure the PPN will link all parts of Maroondah by focusing on important nodes (centres of activity) and connecting corridors (major pathways, roads, and rail lines).

Key activity centres (nodes):

• Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre
• Bayswater Business Precinct
• Croydon Major Activity Centre
• Ringwood East, Heathmont, and Ringwood North Neighbourhood Centres
• Burnt Bridge, McAdam Square, Eastfield, and Bedford Road Shops

Key routes (corridors):

Road, streets, trails, or alleyways linking places in activity centres via gateways such as train stations, bus stops, or car parks.

Open map in a new window to enlarge.

Primary routes (high use)
Primary routes are the backbone of the PPN, designed to support the highest levels of pedestrian movement. These routes receive the highest priority for upgrades and new walking infrastructure, making them a major focus for future improvements.

Secondary routes (medium use)
Secondary routes play a key supporting role to the primary routes. They are assigned a medium level of pedestrian priority and service, enabling significant pedestrian movement. These routes will also be a focus for future infrastructure projects.

Tertiary routes
Tertiary routes connect local residential areas to the primary and secondary routes. They provide essential local links and are assigned a level of priority and service below secondary routes.

Special routes
Special routes are designated for specific purposes, such as school routes or important connections between other routes on the network. Even if they have lower pedestrian activity, these routes are given a medium level of priority and service, and will be a secondary focus for future infrastructure works.

Streets

View an alphabetical list of streets included on the draft Principal Pedestrian Network.