East: Scotchmans Creek Trail

New fix for Scotchmans path missing link

25 February 2009. A missing link in the popular Scotchmans Creek pathway at Mount Waverley can now be fixed, under a new plan developed by local residents.

The missing section, near Waverley Road, was meant to be resolved by a new section path constructed as part of a nursing home development on the west side of the Creek.

Despite a ruling by the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) that the path be separated from the development, it was incorporated into an access road to the nursing home, defeating the intent of the ruling and making the route unsuitable for use by children. (See photos of access road with vehicle)

  

However, it has now emerged that a superior solution is to extend the existing path on the east side of the Creek, where there will be a Melbourne Water maintenance track adjacent to land owned by the same developer responsible for the work on the west side.

This route, thoroughly and professionally investigated by locals, including former Waverley mayor Peter Davies, saves the cost of a new bridge across the Creek, improves flood protection for the developer, creates a safer environment for the residents of the aged care facility, and results in a much superior path with improved gradients.

Bicycle Victoria will be backing this new plan and will be seeking an early commitment from Monash City Council to support the proposed east-side path alignment.

 

Good route, but gaps a problem

This route starts at Jells Park and ends at East Malvern station where it links up with the Gardiners Creek Trail and the Anniversary-Outer Circle Trail.

This trail is useful for commuters from Melbourne's eastern suburbs who want to go into the City and those wanting to access Monash University in Clayton or Chadstone Shopping Centre.

There are several gaps along the Scotchmans Creek Trail, including sections that take you through back streets.

Bicycle Victoria would like to see the following improvements made along this route: 

• The gap filled along the Scotchmans Creek Trail between Ivanhoe St and Tom Begg Ct. 
• The navigational devices along the trail need to be improved.

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