Over 50 residents attended our December consultation sessions to review project plans, ask questions and provide feedback on upcoming footpath projects in Warrandyte and Wonga Park.
The discussions were insightful, providing us the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the community to hear their experiences and concerns, and allowing us to discuss the objectives and benefits of the proposed projects.
The key topics that were raised across all projects were:
- Protection of the environment
We discussed the benefits of designated paths, which prevent people from trampling on vegetation to create new paths. When designing new paths, we do our best to navigate existing vegetation and trees.
- Material types
Many attendees expressed their preference for softer path surfaces in these suburbs. We strive to balance this preference with our responsibility to provide safe, accessible and environmentally friendly infrastructure. For example, gravel and crushed rock are not suitable for paths with steeper slopes as the surface will erode over time, often causing environmental and safety issues. Residents can read the Green Wedge Guide to see how we select materials that best work with the natural environment.
- Project drivers and rationale
We received several questions about how our projects were chosen.
Many of our footpath projects are derived from community requests and feedback. Although we have strategies in place, such as the Manningham Bicycle Strategy, hearing from the community at consultations like this one is critical in helping us shape and prioritise our projects.
Here's some more information about the project-specific discussions we had.
Pound Road, Warrandyte
Why are we doing this?
This project responds to community requests for a safe and accessible path down the road, allowing pedestrians and people with prams or wheelchairs to actively travel around the area.
After considering your feedback, we will now deliver this upgrade in two stages. The first stage will be from Diane court to the Warrandyte State Park, likely beginning in March 2024. For the second stage, from Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road to Diane Court, we will share the final design with the community once it is completed, before proceeding with the project construction.
Why use solid materials (concrete/asphalt)?
You told us you’d like us to minimise hard surfaces. So, around 70 per cent of this footpath will be made of gravel and crushed rock. We will only construct the footpath using asphalt in sections at higher risk of erosion or washing onto the road. Also following your feedback, we’ll trial stone kerbs for sections along the roadside to better blend with the natural environment.
How will you protect trees and the environment in this area?
A designated footpath prevents people from treading on grasses, shrubs and trees to create a path.
View consultation
Taroona Avenue (section four of the Main Yarra Trail), Warrandyte
Why are we doing this?
The project was initiated by community requests for a safe and accessible path that will allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the less busy road. This section will also complete the Main Yarra Trail.
Why solid materials (concrete/asphalt)?
As this area receives high foot traffic, a solid surface will provide a more durable, low-maintenance solution. However, in response to your feedback, we have reduced the path size from the proposed shared path, down to a footpath.
What kerb type will be used?
You asked us to use materials that better blend with the environment. So, this project will trial a section of stone kerb.
View consultation
Main Yarra Trail extension (Pound Road to Taroona Avenue), Warrandyte
Why are we doing this?
This is connection of the Main Yarra Trail will provide a link for active commuters from Melbourne’s CBD to Warrandyte. A shared path will be safer allowing for recreational cyclists to ride without interacting with main road traffic.
Why along Heidelburg-Warrandyte Road?
We have explored various alternate routes, but the chosen path on the south side of the main road was the best option due to the terrain and non-straightforward connection (diverting down smaller residential streets).
What about guardrail/fencing?
In response to feedback about guardrails and fencing, we’ll discuss this further with the Department of Transport and Planning, as they are responsible for arterial roads such as Heidelburg-Warrandyte Road. A road safety assessment will be completed as part of the design process to ensure that all safety elements are considered in the design.
View consultation
Yarra Road, Wonga Park
Why are we doing this?
The footpaths on Yarra Road and Dudley Road will complete the existing footpath network, connecting the shops and sporting facilities to and from Jumping Creek Road to Homestead Road.
Why solid materials (concrete/asphalt)?
As this area receives high foot traffic, a solid surface will provide a more durable, low-maintenance solution.
View consultation
Dudley Road, Wonga Park
Why are we doing this?
The footpaths on Yarra Road and Dudley Road will complete the existing footpath network, connecting the shops and sporting facilities to and from Jumping Creek Road to Homestead Road.
Why solid materials (concrete/asphalt)?
As this area receives high foot traffic, a solid surface will provide a more durable, low-maintenance solution.
View consultation
