NSW Walking Strategy

About the strategy

NSW has never had a dedicated walking strategy.

With the input and support of councils, peak bodies and advocacy groups, government and non-government agencies and organisations and the broader community we wish to develop NSW’s first ever Walking Strategy to deliver on our vision outlined in our Connecting NSW Strategy.

The drafting of the NSW Walking Strategy will take place through 2026 and will be released later this year for feedback.

Objectives

The draft NSW walking strategy will be guided by the four focus areas outlined in the Walkable NSW Discussion Paper:

• prioritise walking in policy, planning, infrastructure and operations 
• promote and encourage walking as a safe choice 
• enable walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods, and 
• enhance walking for recreation and tourism.

Walkable NSW Discussion Paper

The Walkable NSW Discussion Paper was the first step towards developing NSW’s first ever Walking Strategy.

To start the conversation with community, councils, industry and partners about their ideas, experiences and insights, the NSW Government released the Walkable NSW Discussion paper on Friday 17 April. The Discussion Paper explored issues, challenges and opportunities to make walking easier, safer and more accessible for everyone.

Consultation on the Walkable NSW Discussion paper opened on Monday 11 May 2026. Transport sought feedback from the community, councils, advocacy groups, industry and delivery partners.

The Discussion Paper identified four focus areas:

•    prioritise walking in policy, planning, infrastructure and operations 
•    promote and encourage walking as a safe choice 
•    enable walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods, and 
•    enhance walking for recreation and tourism

Consultation on the Walkable NSW Discussion paper closed at 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2026.

You can view submissions on the Walkable NSW Discussion Paper via the Have Your Say Page.

Download Walkable NSW Discussion Paper

Next Steps

The project team would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation and engagement for the Walkable NSW Discussion Paper to date.

Your feedback and insights will help inform the drafting of the draft NSW Walking Strategy which will be released for feedback later in 2026.

Contact us

For further questions please contact: walkingnsw@transport.nsw.gov.au.