Information
The Cam River Reserve Master Plan will provide Council with a clear vision for the future development and management of the area. The reserve is recognised as a significant parkland in Waratah-Wynyard and it will continue to be developed as a naturally beautiful riparian reserve for relaxation, leisurely activity and social interaction.
The master plan sets out to address key objectives of managing safety and pedestrian circulation, enhancing and protecting the natural values of the reserve and creating a natural entrance to the eastern side of the municipality.
In summary, the master plan proposes a total 23 actions over the five year period to cover the elected themes of safe access and circulation; relaxation and amenities; nature, art and design; and passive recreation. The actions within the plan address key community concerns around losing open space, losing the natural character of the reserve and pedestrian safety. Additionally, the master plan also considers community aspirations recognised through the initial engagement period, such as including options for a heritage walk and providing more amenities that support picnicking and relaxation.
The key activities that Council plan to deliver during the 2024/25 financial year include:
- Renew and upgrade the riverside path to shared pathway standards (Stage 2).
- Construct safety fence and plantings.
- Create municipal entrance feature by planting woodland at the northern end of reserve.
Installation of safety signage as recommended in the 2024 Coastal Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan (developed by Surf Life Saving Tasmania).
FAQ
The nearby vehicular bridge crossing over the Cam River is an asset belonging to the Department of State Growth (DSG). In 2019, the DSG conducted a study over the Bass Highway between Cooee and Wynyard. The study included a risk assessment which highlighted the use of a wider and higher bridge may mitigate some risks associated with predicted traffic increases and flooding. The DSG have been developing a replacement bridge design which meets the recommendations contained within the study, which may include absorption of some of the reserve area to aid in road realignment.
As the maintenance and replacement of the bridge lies with the State Government, the Council have limited influence over how the bridge is designed or how much space is taken for the replacement. As part of the master plan, Council will liaise with the DSG to advocate for a minimised impact to the reserve and improved pedestrian access to the reserve.
Works for the bridge replacement were completed early in 2024 with a pedestrian underpass having been completed during the same period.
If you would like more information on the design and improvements of the new bridge and associated pedestrian pathways, you can find it by going to the DSG Transport Services site and searching ‘Bass Highway Action Plan’ or ‘Cam River Bridge Replacement and Murchison Highway Signalisation’.
The existing play boat is at the end of its functional life. Inspections identified that the structure is beginning to rot and is no longer able to be repaired. For these reasons, Council have been planning for its replacement and exploring alternative opportunities for the site given there is a grand new all abilities playground located at the nearby Anzac Park.
During the public feedback period on the draft masterplan, Council heard that the existing playground (particularly the boat) is well liked in the community. As a result of this feedback, amendments were made to the final master plan to ensure it was more in line with the community’s desires for a play boat to be retained in some form at Cam River.
In November 2021 a public consultation, survey and multi-criteria assessment was conducted to determine the preferred option for replacing the deteriorating play equipment. The options of a traditional playground, a playground made of natural materials and an interactive art installation were considered. The outcome was to replace the existing boat playground with interactive art. Noting the desire of the community to ensure the space includes play based and natural features, an artist was commissioned to design and install an interactive nautical themed art installation for the reserve.
The play equipment was decommissioned in early 2024 and was followed by the installation of the new interactive public art display.
To improve pedestrian safety, vehicular access to the grassed areas of the reserve will be restricted. Temporary placement of rocks or bollards will occur after community consultation and will be in place until the construction of the new vehicular bridge is completed. A fence and hedge will be installed at the corner of the Bass Highway and Murchison Highways after the bridge works are finished.
Pedestrian access will be enhanced through the reserve by increasing the width of the main pathway to shared standards (over 2m wide) and by including a pedestrian access point at Simpson Street.
The Department of State Growth, which is responsible for the replacement of the bridge and the adjoining highways, have agreed to accommodate pedestrian access to Anzac Park via a pathway underneath the new bridge.