The footpath network is approx. 365km long & growing every year as new release areas are developed in the City. Recent community consultation for the Special Rates Variation showed that 'footpath maintenance' was raised at almost every listening post held at shopping centres, markets and at community group meetings. The community was clearly concerned about the upkeep of footpaths especially in older areas of the City. Council's recent annual report showed a backlog in maintenance for existing footpaths of just over $4million. The current budget for essential repairs is $400,000pa. A proposal in the SRV application to increase this budget by $400,000 in 2014-15 would see the backlog start to be reduced. How important is this issue for you?