Walk in someone else's shoes

Action 3.6, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Complete

Deliver online and face-to-face training, such as the Walking Infrastructure Masterclass, to build professional capability.

Overview

The Department of Transport and Main Roads trained staff statewide through our Walking Infrastructure Masterclass. Staff learned to plan and design accessible, safe, comfortable and convenient walking networks. Our masterclass has over 170 graduates.

Achievements

The Queensland Walking Strategy 2019-2029 noted that professionals need more training. They must learn to plan and design walking routes that are safe, direct, accessible, comfortable, and attractive.

We developed and held a two-day Walking Infrastructure Masterclass in:

• Brisbane
• Nambour
• Toowoomba
• Cairns
• Bundaberg
• Roma.

The masterclass taught participants about the needs of various road users. These include children, people with disabilities, and people who use mobility devices.

The masterclass included a field trip letting participants use mobility devices. This helped them understand the challenges of moving through poorly designed footpaths and road crossings.

Well planned infrastructure is essential to create more walkable communities. The masterclass included a session on our walking network planning guidance. Participants practised using it in multidisciplinary groups.

Over 170 professionals have completed the masterclass. Feedback has been excellent. Participants said the masterclass helped them "rethink their approach to walking." They liked the mix of visits and classroom learning.

Next steps

We will continue to train professionals to plan and design quality walking environments across the state. The training will be based on needs.

More information

Find information about our Walking Training Courses

Find out more about our Walking network planning guidance.