There are many kilometers of shared trails and paths in Banyule to use recreationally and to also get around. All these paths require maintenance and the oldest paths sometimes need significant work to be brought in line with current standards.

The Plenty River Trail Access Path (between Allima Ave and Willinda Park) is an example where significant work is required.

This project will deliver a feasibility study recommending how to ensure the path meets safety standards and caters for future recreational needs.

Thank you for telling us about your experiences on the Plenty River Trail. We will use you comments to help us plan for future upgrade works on the trail, specifically between Allima Ave and Willinda Park. Stay tuned!

Summary of comments received

The following is a summary of the comments made by people who engaged with us during the 'Have your say' process.

• The Plenty River Trail Access Path is mainly used by local residents.
• The main use is for walking and jogging.
• Many people use it in preference to the Plenty River Trail on the opposite side of the River as it enables them to avoid the many cyclists who use the main trail.
• There general view was the current path is a poor condition due to cracks and bumps, its narrow width, blind corners and crests.
• It was suggested that Council make the proposed upgraded path “charcoal” in colour to differentiate it from the main trail and to help it blend with the current environment.
• Include barrier fencing near steep embankments.
• Keep the path to a maximum width of 1.8 metres to encourage retention of current the informal use; i.e. mainly pedestrians.
• Encourage cyclists to use the main trail on the eastern side of the river.
• Upgrade the east west paths which connect to the Plenty River Trail to shared trail standard; i.e. at Plenty River Drive, Elder Street and Allima Avenue.
• Some cyclists are a hazard to people walking on the narrow paths.
• The edges of sections of the concrete path north of Elder Street the edges to the path need to be made level with the adjacent ground.
• Sections of the path on west side of the River are too steep for bicycle riding. Cyclists should therefore be discouraged from using it.
• Seating required to enable users to sit and enjoy the scenery
• Upgrade lighting
• Upgrade playground
• Include barbeques and picnic facilities.
• Provide more dog poo bins
• Improve signage
• Provide litter bins, particularly near the access path’s east-west connections to the main Plenty River Trail.
• Install emergency markers similar to those on the Plenty River Trail.
• The earthworks required for a new path and retaining walls will be detrimental to the reserve’s environment
• The increased concrete surfaces adding to stormwater drainage and run off.
• Residents requested that there be a focus on the playspace at Nepean Street to provide more shade trees, seating and possible barbeque and picnic areas.
• Proposed path and intersection realignment at site F (near Nepean Street) will create a “dog leg” which will disrupt the flow of the path.
• Need to create an alignment which will also service people entering from Nepean Street and heading north.
• A number of respondents requested the steep section of path be retained or enhanced, to accommodate use of local sporting groups and individuals. This is because the steep section of the path at Site B (near Elder St), is apparently commonly used for training by sporting groups and individuals.
• Don’t realign the steep section of path near Elder Street as people will “short cut” anyway and create a ‘goat track’.
• Concern about realignment of section of the path into the small reserve adjacent to Fricker Ave (site C) as the park is currently used by locals for informal cricket, football, kite flying and other family orientated activities.

A number of residents adjacent to the Tonyl Court corridor expressed concern about the proposed realignment of the connecting path to Tonyl Court. Their objections were primarily that the proposed new alignment of the path to Tonyl Court will:

• Allow path users to partially see into the rear gardens of several properties, thus causing privacy issues, particularly for those with see through fences.
• Be detrimental to the amenity adjacent residents.
• Cause security and safety issues for adjacent properties.
• Cause dogs of residents to bark.

Objectors to the realignment of the Tonyl Court Path requested that Council just upgrade the existing path rather than realign it.

Some residents expressed safety concerns as the path and link to Tonyl Court is within a designated Melbourne Water floodway.

The Plenty River Trail and its ‘Access’ path network is an important regional trail link identified in the Northern Regional Trail Strategy. The path network provides residents and families with many recreational opportunities including, access to sporting reserves, playgrounds, Greensborough Activity Centre and the Main Yarra Trail.

Over the last few years we have carried out numerous improvements on the path network, ensuring it is more accessible and safer for families. Now the focus is on the Plenty River Trail Access Path (between Allima Ave and Willinda Park).

This project will ensure works for the path align with the broad strategic directions set out in the Northern Regional Trails Strategy, our Public Open Space Plan, our Bicycle Strategy and our Integrated Transport Plan.