A number of key projects to improve public access to the Georges River foreshore have been identified in a new draft plan.
These include cycleways, boardwallks, pedestrian pathways and park improvements.
The projects are included in the draft Georges River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan which was endorsed by the council last week for public exhibition.
The draft Georges River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan focuses on the 18.5 kilometres of publicly owned foreshore currently managed by Georges River Council extending from Captain Cook Bridge, Sans Souci to Riverwood Park on Saltpan Creek Riverwood.
The council commenced the preparation of the draft Plan in May, 2018 after receiving a grant of $132,250 in funding from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Coastal and Estuary Grant Program.
The council was required to match the funding and in May 2018, approved the appointment of EMM Pty Ltd to prepare the plan.
The development of the draft Plan was staged over two years due to the significant amount of field work and site assessments involved.
"This Plan has delivered a Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan that achieves multiple environmental, social, economic and liveability objectives," according to a report to the council's Assets and Infrastructure Committee.
The draft Plan has identified locations of publicly owned foreshore suitable for enhanced recreational access and links between key foreshore assets, opportunities to create resilient estuarine ecosystems and liveable community places.
The Plan considers strategic projects where important access opportunities are identified and considered a high priority.
In addition the plan identifies foreshore improvement works to enhance amenity and recreational opportunities such as the creation of formal walking and cycling trails.
Examples of significant potential projects that have been proposed which will have regional benefit include:
- Clarendon Road to Riverwood Park Link (a pedestrian and cycling pathway and boardwalk linking to existing trails in Padstow);
- Oatley Park to Gannons Park Link (a pedestrian and cycling pathway and boardwalk connecting two regionally important reserves)
- Sans Souci Park Improvements (redevelopment of a dilapidated facility and improvements to the park as a destination point from other trails east of the Captain Cook Bridge).
The plan was endorsed for public exhibition for a minimum period of 60 days from June 1 for community comment via Council's Website and "Have Your Say' before coming back to the council for final approval.
