• Cr Mark Edwards with Paul Alan of Island Concrete.
Local contractors and workers are playing a vital part in the roll-out of the new footpaths on Russell Island.
When completed, the footpath will stretch from one end of Russell Island to the other.
The work has come about following the tragic death of Russell Island teenager 14-year-old Ethan Stephenson last year, and the campaign that followed him being hit by a car not far from his home on Centre Road.
Redland City Council agreed unanimously to put into place the footpath construction program almost immediately.
The first stage from the Russell Island jetty to the Russell Island Shopping Centre was completed just prior to Christmas.
The focus since then, has been in the centre of the island.
"I was able to receive support at council for immediate funding of approximately $1 million for the footpath construction from Stradbroke Street back to the Russell Island footpath connection in High Street.
"I am hopeful of finding the additional funding for the south of the island in the next financial year, starting July 1," Cr Edwards said.
"With any luck, the footpath construction will continue unabated."
Cr Edwards said it was intended the program would then spread to Macleay and Lamb Islands.
The contract for the work is being carried out between two contractors, one mainland and one island, often working in tandem.
Already more than 2 km of the work has been completed.
Paul Alan of Island Concreting has been awarded one of the island contracts.
"Council is allocating contracts in 500 metre sections and we are able to complete a section in about a week and a half, depending on weather conditions," he told The Friendly Bay Islander.
Council is allocating the small allotments so local suppliers can qualify for the project.
Paul Alan is hopeful of obtaining other sections of the work.
All the concrete is being supplied via Russell Island Concrete.
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