Final Options Study complete
Inglis River Walking Track - Options Study
The Inglis River Walking Track is a valued asset of the Waratah-Wynyard community and meanders through the picturesque riparian reserve. Over time, several structures have been developed to support its use and growing popularity. However, a lot of these structures are due for replacement within the next five years. In 2011, 2016 and 2022, significant rain events have impacted parts of the walking track infrastructure. In addition, some parts of the track are also susceptible to erosion and inundation from high tides.
The safety, accessibility, and suitability of community assets like Inglis River Walking Track is important to Council. Therefore, it engaged Fitzgerald Landscape Architecture to undertake an Options Study of the Inglis River Walking Track in order to determine recommendations for improvement projects.
The Options Study addressed a variety of relevant questions and concerns, such as:
- Flood and erosion risk
- Current and future track demand
- Width and grade requirements for any replacement structures
- Best materials to use
- Users of pathway and their needs/restrictions
- Best plant species to encourage natural biodiversity and wildlife sanctuary
- Maintenance and weed control
- Costs associated with delivering the recommendations
Some of the areas identified as needing project improvements in the Options Study were already factored into Council’s 2023-2024 operational Budget Plan. As such, Council will proceed with implementing improvement projects for the following two areas:
- Esplanade to Cemetery
- Golf Links Road
Future Options Study considerations:
There were other areas that the Options Report highlighted as needing improvements:
- Boat Ramp to Picnic Ground
- Big Creek Bridge
- North York Street Reserve to Bass Highway
No financial commitments have been made for these areas. Council will create an implementation plan for these remaining recommendations following future community consultation.