North: River Gum Walk

Stage 3 complete

April 06. Stage 3 of the project has been recently completed. This now connects the River Gum walk path with the Main Yarra trail. It is a good quality concrete trail. (See picture)

On the Main Yarra trail an issue remains at Plymouth St where it is very steep and becomes unsafe after rain. This section needs to be sealed to improve safety for cyclists.

Jun 05. Stage 3 of the project to provide a safe cycling alternative to busy Rosanna Rd is due to start shortly. A shared path will be constructed along Beverley Rd in Heidelberg between Buckingham Dve and Banksia St. This will complete a continuous off-road route between Greensborough Rd, Viewbank and Banksia St, Heidleberg.

River Gum Walk Shared Path

Oct 04. River Gum Walk Shared Path has recently been completed, thanks to the Banyule BUG who fought hard for the path. Cyclists, schoolchildren and many local elderly people now have a safe and beautiful alternative to busy streets or a muddy track.

Local councillor Tom Melican said "Paths like these are not just good for bikes; they are a great opportunity for improving public infrastructure. They provide access for people with disabilities, as well as many other users."

Pedestrian signals have been installed on Banyule Rd.

In October 2003 the motion to construct a shared trail in River Gum Walk was approved by 6 of the 7 Banyule Councillors. Mayor Jenny Mulholland, Cr Tom Melican, Cr Colin Brooks, Cr Dale Peters, Cr Dean Sherriff and Cr Greg Ryan all voted in favour of the path.

Council received written correspondence from 135 residents in favour of the path and 111 opposing the trail through River Gum Walk. Option 3 was chosen as the preferred alignment, which most closely follows the contour line around the perimeter of the reserve. The project will extend the path to Buckingham Drive.

Bicycle Victoria staff met with council officers in July 2003 to discuss technical issues and path alignment around steeply sloped areas. The path will provide access for walkers, wheelchair users and bike riders through the parkland.

It will be a huge improvement over the existing dirt track which is muddy and inaccessible for some people in winter.

This is stage 2 of a long-term project to build a shared path between Lower Plenty Rd and the Main Yarra Trail near Banksia St. Stage 1, which follows the Banyule Creek through Creekbend Reserve in Rosanna (Melway 20 D11), was constructed in 2003.

Stage 3 will run from Buckingham Drive to Banksia Street along Beverley Rd beside the existing avenue of trees.