Proposed Pathway - Kilaben Bay to Rathmines
The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG) has been working on a proposal to link Kilaben Bay to the Walking/Cycling path in Rathmines Park and the RASNG has agreed to support them with this project in any way we can as we consider that the residents and visitors to the Western side of the Lake Macquarie would benefit from this facility as a pleasant exercise option and a means to travel by bicycle between the Wangi/Rathmines area and Kilaben Bay/Toronto without facing the traffic hazards of Wangi Road.
Following is the latest email to Council on this issue from Nico Marcar, Chair of the TASNG:
Following is the latest email to Council on this issue from Nico Marcar, Chair of the TASNG:
From: Nico Marcar <[email protected]>
Subject: Footpaths, walkways and cycle paths for western Lake Macquarie
Date: 20 July 2018 at 11:44:56 am AEST
To: Cr Jason Pauling <[email protected]>, Cr Barney Langford <[email protected]>, Cr Nick Jones <[email protected]>
Cc: Tom Boyle <[email protected]>, Karen Partington <[email protected]>
Bcc: [email protected]
Dear Jason, Barney and Nick
I am writing to you in your capacity as councillor representatives on the Active Transport Advisory Group (ATAG). On many occasions I have communicated with various council staff and Mayor Cr Kay Fraser about the importance of providing better infrastructure for walking and cycling for the western side of the lake. To date, nothing much has come of this. I put my hand up to become a member of the ATAG but did not make the cut.
Following the commencement of the ATAG late last year I have tried to find out what the ATAG has been doing and whom the west ward representatives are, but with little success. It appears that the ATAG is a Council-centric group and that any ability to engage with the community is rather limited, or so it appears.
So, I thought that I would write to you so that you would have an idea of some of the opportunities for our side of the lake. As you will appreciate, it always seems as if the eastern side of the lake gets most attention. If you would be able to follow up with Council and the ATAG that would be great. The community is ready to engage with Council and assist in any way for the betterment of all.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Nico Marcar
Chair
Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG)
Proposed pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines....can project planning be accelerated?
This is the email sent to Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in August 2017. Map attached.
'The TASNG has been in communication with Matt Brogan (Assett team, Council) about our concept proposal for a walking/cycling track from Kilaben Bay to Rathmines as a means of avoiding the longer and more dangerous option via Wangi Road. Matt has now included this proposal in the official infrastructure register. Naturally, we would love to see this proposal elevated in importance.
1. A long bridge (ca. 400 m) from the Kilaben Bay point all the way to Rathmines to link with the foreshore was suggested by Ken as one way to avoid going through wetland areas and private property.
Advantages include: short route of travel, in the open, does not go through sensitive wetland not Hunter Water easement or private land.
Disadvantages include: likely very expensive, interference with boat traffic across a wide area and some moorings Rathmines end.
2. Three bridges (one longer from the Kilaben Bay point to the point of the elbow bit of land, two shorter bridges across the two creeks alongside/near to the existing pipeline...about 100 m + 50 m or so or so in total about 150 m).
Advantages include: shorter length of bridge works with less expense, allows for upgrading some existing Hunter Water track on Rathmines end
Disadvantages include: Will traverse Hunter Water easement and private land (Terry Wood + another (?)) and some sensitive wetland area, will require some new track routing including raised sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
3. Three short bridges - one at the Kilaben Bay end (20 m or so) and next to the pipelines (about 50 m or so..as for 2.) and path linked via Terry Wood's and other property and then would have to go through sensitive wetland at Kilaben Bay end to avoid Catholic School grounds.
Advantages include: likely to be lower cost, allows for upgrading of some Hunter Water track
Disadvantages include: Will traverse HW easement and private land and some sensitive wetland area including Kilaben Bay end, will require some new track work including rasied sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
4. Two short bridges - next to the pipelines (about 50 m or so..as for 2. and 3.) and path linked via Terry Wood's and other property and then would have to go through/around the Catholic School grounds. This option would involve also upgrading the track on crown land on Kilaben Bay where land care work has been undertaken by Ken (therefore he does not prefer this option) and then a bridge/crossing over the small creek.
Advantages include: likely to be lower cost, allows for upgrading of some Hunter Water track
Disadvantages include: Will traverse HW easement, private land (including the Catholic School) and some sensitive wetland area including Kilaben Bay end, will require some new track work including raised sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
Clearly there are some issues to deal with including: the need for land acquisition where a path would be constructed/improved, including that of the Catholic School (this would need to be canvassed with the Catholic Diocese), the need for bridge construction and the $ cost.
There are several grant options worthy of consideration. These include: (i) the $80 million NSW Govt cycling infrastructure fund and (ii) the Local infrastructure to support Stronger Country Communities.'
This is the response I received via Mayor Cr Kay Fraser on 25 March:
Madam Mayor
I refer to your submission on behalf of constituent Mr Nico Marcar regarding an update on the proposal for a pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines. Council appreciates the information that Mr Marcar has provided and notes that this pathway connection is included in Council’s Strategic Plan.
Council recognises the value of active transport on the health and well-being of the community. It’s great to see the community passionate about active transport, as Council considers this as an important part of our transport infrastructure. In determining priorities for the installation of footpaths across Lake Macquarie, Council has adopted its Footpath Strategy and Cycling Strategy. These strategies uses weighted criteria to assess the suitability of locations city wide for the installation of footpaths and shared pathways.
Council is currently working on a number of other significant projects identified in these strategies. Including as the connection of Fernleigh Track to Blacksmiths, Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway, Bareki bends bypass, and the Bonnells Bay shared pathway. It is Council’s priority to continue with these prior to commencing any new projects.
There is currently no timeframe identified for commencement of a pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines. However, Council will undertake consultation with residents and stakeholders once the project progresses
Other walking and cycling opportunities
My vision is to to have cycling/walking route/infrastructure that links the shared pathway along the Five Islands Bridge to Kilaben Bay and beyond. This route can still link existing roads as well; of course these existing road sections should include cycle signage and be the safer and more scenic roads. This would then start to approach the sort of infrastructure enjoyed by residents on the eastern side of the lake. Just as is the case on the eastern side, if we have the right infrastructure residents will use it. Council must be prepared to consider the use of different construction materials, appropriate to the situation, in order to reduce costs per metre and therefore develop more km of pathway. In addition, there is great opportunity to leverage funds from the NSW government's $80 million .........
The extension of the pathway from Marmong Point and along Bolton Point is also commendable and should both be high priority. Once again, it is quite feasible to consider various construction materials, other than concrete, to substantially reduce cost.
Alternative construction materials
This email was sent to Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in November 2017.
We spoke briefly about your interest in canvassing options with Council staff about alternative materials for construction of footpaths, cycleways and roads. As you know, this is a topic of considerable interest for sustainability and as a means of potentially getting more kms constructed for the same $ input, and LMCC is a leading Council exponent of the use sustainable practices.
These comments are also in the context of our push for more off road cycling and walking options in western Lake Macquarie, with our interest in pursuing a link between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines to avoid the busy Wangi Road being a major one. This link (call it a trail or similar) would be a good example of where lower cost construction options could be implemented, including bridge design.
I assume that Council would have access to the following publications?
1. https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AGPT04E-09
2. Cycling Aspects of Austroads Guides (2017 Edition) available on-line after registering at Ausroads publications on-line (appendix F.3 is especially useful). I registered via http://www.bicyclecouncil.com.au/
3. https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/149964/DPTI_Bikeway_Pavement_Guidelines_2.pdf. This publication has some good information on different surfaces and how they may be suited to different conditions.
Plastic, plastic-tar and similar
I assume that Council would have access to the following publication?
https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AGPT04E-09
There are many examples of R&D, start up and commercial applications of using recycled plastic waste as an alternative to bitumen for road contruction. Similar applications may be possible for some types of footpaths and cycleways.
The Gold Coast Council is considering using this approach: http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/council/gold-coast-council-to-consider-using-recycled-plastics-to-build-the-citys-road-networks/news-story/2701000483a19d3b19eb152111f8f9cc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_roads
Dutch innovation - plastic roads: https://www.plasticroad.eu/en/
https://www.ipwea.org/blogs/intouch/2017/03/06/plastic-fantastic-how-plastic-waste-is-presenting-new-opportunities-in-road-construction
Indonesian efforts: https://news.mongabay.com/2017/08/plastic-fantastic-indonesia-plans-to-turn-waste-into-road-tar/
A few Councils in UK are adopting Scottish Start up company (MacRebur) uses of pelletised plastics instead of bitumen:
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-39693091/can-plastic-roads-help-save-the-planet
Compacted gravel
This reference from New Zealand provides commentary on the use of many different surfaces including gravel:
https://nzcycletrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NZCT-Cycle-Trail-Design-Guide-v4-Feb-2015.pdf
https://www.coregravel.ca/core-foundations/core-gravel/
http://centenarylandscaping.com.au/product-resource-guides/landscapingaccessories/eco-hex/
http://www.jaylineaust.com/turf-protection-products/ground-and-turf-stabilisation/coregravel/
General issues:
https://www.lgnsw.org.au/files/imce-uploads/90/EG%20Reformat%20-%20Roads%20and%20Footpath%20Construction.pdf
Geelong Council using more sustainable footpath construction options....https://www.ipwea.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=479147ad-0166-4973-a49f-116040af43ff&forceDialog=0
Different options for cycleway surfaces in UK: https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/149964/DPTI_Bikeway_Pavement_Guidelines_2.pdf
I look forward to further feedback and to an update from Council about the issues I raised re: the proposed Kliaben Bay to Rathmines link and other off road cycling and pedestrian needs in western Lake Macquarie.
This is the response from Council via Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in February 2018.
Madam Mayor
Thank you for your submission on behalf of constituent Mr Nico Marcar, requesting consideration of alternative materials for pathway construction.
Council recognises the value of active transport on the health and well-being of the community. It’s great to see the community passionate about active transport, as Council considers this as an important part of our transport infrastructure. The Lake Macquarie shared pathway network currently includes over 80km of off road and on road cycle ways. Through the adoption of the Lake Macquarie Cycling Strategy 2021, Council has outlined its long term commitment to the extension of the shared pathway network throughout Lake Macquarie.
Recently, Council has received several requests from the community to consider alternative materials when constructing transport infrastructure. This is not an easy task and does require due diligence and process by Council. Currently, Councils standard drawings and guidelines steering group is investigating a number of material alternatives, with an aim to provide advice on alternative design considerations and materials that would deliver more sustainable infrastructure for road and pathway construction. Any recommendations from the standard drawings and design group will be undertaken in consultation with the recently established Active Transport Advisory Group. At this time, any changes to Councils construction practices are subject to the recommendations provided by the standard drawings and design group and the Active Transport Advisory Group.
Council values input from our community and welcomes all feedback in helping to achieve future accessibility goals.
Subject: Footpaths, walkways and cycle paths for western Lake Macquarie
Date: 20 July 2018 at 11:44:56 am AEST
To: Cr Jason Pauling <[email protected]>, Cr Barney Langford <[email protected]>, Cr Nick Jones <[email protected]>
Cc: Tom Boyle <[email protected]>, Karen Partington <[email protected]>
Bcc: [email protected]
Dear Jason, Barney and Nick
I am writing to you in your capacity as councillor representatives on the Active Transport Advisory Group (ATAG). On many occasions I have communicated with various council staff and Mayor Cr Kay Fraser about the importance of providing better infrastructure for walking and cycling for the western side of the lake. To date, nothing much has come of this. I put my hand up to become a member of the ATAG but did not make the cut.
Following the commencement of the ATAG late last year I have tried to find out what the ATAG has been doing and whom the west ward representatives are, but with little success. It appears that the ATAG is a Council-centric group and that any ability to engage with the community is rather limited, or so it appears.
So, I thought that I would write to you so that you would have an idea of some of the opportunities for our side of the lake. As you will appreciate, it always seems as if the eastern side of the lake gets most attention. If you would be able to follow up with Council and the ATAG that would be great. The community is ready to engage with Council and assist in any way for the betterment of all.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Nico Marcar
Chair
Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG)
Proposed pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines....can project planning be accelerated?
This is the email sent to Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in August 2017. Map attached.
'The TASNG has been in communication with Matt Brogan (Assett team, Council) about our concept proposal for a walking/cycling track from Kilaben Bay to Rathmines as a means of avoiding the longer and more dangerous option via Wangi Road. Matt has now included this proposal in the official infrastructure register. Naturally, we would love to see this proposal elevated in importance.
1. A long bridge (ca. 400 m) from the Kilaben Bay point all the way to Rathmines to link with the foreshore was suggested by Ken as one way to avoid going through wetland areas and private property.
Advantages include: short route of travel, in the open, does not go through sensitive wetland not Hunter Water easement or private land.
Disadvantages include: likely very expensive, interference with boat traffic across a wide area and some moorings Rathmines end.
2. Three bridges (one longer from the Kilaben Bay point to the point of the elbow bit of land, two shorter bridges across the two creeks alongside/near to the existing pipeline...about 100 m + 50 m or so or so in total about 150 m).
Advantages include: shorter length of bridge works with less expense, allows for upgrading some existing Hunter Water track on Rathmines end
Disadvantages include: Will traverse Hunter Water easement and private land (Terry Wood + another (?)) and some sensitive wetland area, will require some new track routing including raised sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
3. Three short bridges - one at the Kilaben Bay end (20 m or so) and next to the pipelines (about 50 m or so..as for 2.) and path linked via Terry Wood's and other property and then would have to go through sensitive wetland at Kilaben Bay end to avoid Catholic School grounds.
Advantages include: likely to be lower cost, allows for upgrading of some Hunter Water track
Disadvantages include: Will traverse HW easement and private land and some sensitive wetland area including Kilaben Bay end, will require some new track work including rasied sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
4. Two short bridges - next to the pipelines (about 50 m or so..as for 2. and 3.) and path linked via Terry Wood's and other property and then would have to go through/around the Catholic School grounds. This option would involve also upgrading the track on crown land on Kilaben Bay where land care work has been undertaken by Ken (therefore he does not prefer this option) and then a bridge/crossing over the small creek.
Advantages include: likely to be lower cost, allows for upgrading of some Hunter Water track
Disadvantages include: Will traverse HW easement, private land (including the Catholic School) and some sensitive wetland area including Kilaben Bay end, will require some new track work including raised sections, would require some land acquisition by Council.
Clearly there are some issues to deal with including: the need for land acquisition where a path would be constructed/improved, including that of the Catholic School (this would need to be canvassed with the Catholic Diocese), the need for bridge construction and the $ cost.
There are several grant options worthy of consideration. These include: (i) the $80 million NSW Govt cycling infrastructure fund and (ii) the Local infrastructure to support Stronger Country Communities.'
This is the response I received via Mayor Cr Kay Fraser on 25 March:
Madam Mayor
I refer to your submission on behalf of constituent Mr Nico Marcar regarding an update on the proposal for a pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines. Council appreciates the information that Mr Marcar has provided and notes that this pathway connection is included in Council’s Strategic Plan.
Council recognises the value of active transport on the health and well-being of the community. It’s great to see the community passionate about active transport, as Council considers this as an important part of our transport infrastructure. In determining priorities for the installation of footpaths across Lake Macquarie, Council has adopted its Footpath Strategy and Cycling Strategy. These strategies uses weighted criteria to assess the suitability of locations city wide for the installation of footpaths and shared pathways.
Council is currently working on a number of other significant projects identified in these strategies. Including as the connection of Fernleigh Track to Blacksmiths, Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway, Bareki bends bypass, and the Bonnells Bay shared pathway. It is Council’s priority to continue with these prior to commencing any new projects.
There is currently no timeframe identified for commencement of a pathway between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines. However, Council will undertake consultation with residents and stakeholders once the project progresses
Other walking and cycling opportunities
My vision is to to have cycling/walking route/infrastructure that links the shared pathway along the Five Islands Bridge to Kilaben Bay and beyond. This route can still link existing roads as well; of course these existing road sections should include cycle signage and be the safer and more scenic roads. This would then start to approach the sort of infrastructure enjoyed by residents on the eastern side of the lake. Just as is the case on the eastern side, if we have the right infrastructure residents will use it. Council must be prepared to consider the use of different construction materials, appropriate to the situation, in order to reduce costs per metre and therefore develop more km of pathway. In addition, there is great opportunity to leverage funds from the NSW government's $80 million .........
The extension of the pathway from Marmong Point and along Bolton Point is also commendable and should both be high priority. Once again, it is quite feasible to consider various construction materials, other than concrete, to substantially reduce cost.
Alternative construction materials
This email was sent to Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in November 2017.
We spoke briefly about your interest in canvassing options with Council staff about alternative materials for construction of footpaths, cycleways and roads. As you know, this is a topic of considerable interest for sustainability and as a means of potentially getting more kms constructed for the same $ input, and LMCC is a leading Council exponent of the use sustainable practices.
These comments are also in the context of our push for more off road cycling and walking options in western Lake Macquarie, with our interest in pursuing a link between Kilaben Bay and Rathmines to avoid the busy Wangi Road being a major one. This link (call it a trail or similar) would be a good example of where lower cost construction options could be implemented, including bridge design.
I assume that Council would have access to the following publications?
1. https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AGPT04E-09
2. Cycling Aspects of Austroads Guides (2017 Edition) available on-line after registering at Ausroads publications on-line (appendix F.3 is especially useful). I registered via http://www.bicyclecouncil.com.au/
3. https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/149964/DPTI_Bikeway_Pavement_Guidelines_2.pdf. This publication has some good information on different surfaces and how they may be suited to different conditions.
Plastic, plastic-tar and similar
I assume that Council would have access to the following publication?
https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AGPT04E-09
There are many examples of R&D, start up and commercial applications of using recycled plastic waste as an alternative to bitumen for road contruction. Similar applications may be possible for some types of footpaths and cycleways.
The Gold Coast Council is considering using this approach: http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/council/gold-coast-council-to-consider-using-recycled-plastics-to-build-the-citys-road-networks/news-story/2701000483a19d3b19eb152111f8f9cc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_roads
Dutch innovation - plastic roads: https://www.plasticroad.eu/en/
https://www.ipwea.org/blogs/intouch/2017/03/06/plastic-fantastic-how-plastic-waste-is-presenting-new-opportunities-in-road-construction
Indonesian efforts: https://news.mongabay.com/2017/08/plastic-fantastic-indonesia-plans-to-turn-waste-into-road-tar/
A few Councils in UK are adopting Scottish Start up company (MacRebur) uses of pelletised plastics instead of bitumen:
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-39693091/can-plastic-roads-help-save-the-planet
Compacted gravel
This reference from New Zealand provides commentary on the use of many different surfaces including gravel:
https://nzcycletrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NZCT-Cycle-Trail-Design-Guide-v4-Feb-2015.pdf
https://www.coregravel.ca/core-foundations/core-gravel/
http://centenarylandscaping.com.au/product-resource-guides/landscapingaccessories/eco-hex/
http://www.jaylineaust.com/turf-protection-products/ground-and-turf-stabilisation/coregravel/
General issues:
https://www.lgnsw.org.au/files/imce-uploads/90/EG%20Reformat%20-%20Roads%20and%20Footpath%20Construction.pdf
Geelong Council using more sustainable footpath construction options....https://www.ipwea.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=479147ad-0166-4973-a49f-116040af43ff&forceDialog=0
Different options for cycleway surfaces in UK: https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/149964/DPTI_Bikeway_Pavement_Guidelines_2.pdf
I look forward to further feedback and to an update from Council about the issues I raised re: the proposed Kliaben Bay to Rathmines link and other off road cycling and pedestrian needs in western Lake Macquarie.
This is the response from Council via Mayor Cr Kay Fraser in February 2018.
Madam Mayor
Thank you for your submission on behalf of constituent Mr Nico Marcar, requesting consideration of alternative materials for pathway construction.
Council recognises the value of active transport on the health and well-being of the community. It’s great to see the community passionate about active transport, as Council considers this as an important part of our transport infrastructure. The Lake Macquarie shared pathway network currently includes over 80km of off road and on road cycle ways. Through the adoption of the Lake Macquarie Cycling Strategy 2021, Council has outlined its long term commitment to the extension of the shared pathway network throughout Lake Macquarie.
Recently, Council has received several requests from the community to consider alternative materials when constructing transport infrastructure. This is not an easy task and does require due diligence and process by Council. Currently, Councils standard drawings and guidelines steering group is investigating a number of material alternatives, with an aim to provide advice on alternative design considerations and materials that would deliver more sustainable infrastructure for road and pathway construction. Any recommendations from the standard drawings and design group will be undertaken in consultation with the recently established Active Transport Advisory Group. At this time, any changes to Councils construction practices are subject to the recommendations provided by the standard drawings and design group and the Active Transport Advisory Group.
Council values input from our community and welcomes all feedback in helping to achieve future accessibility goals.
Here is a sketch map of the area showing the four proposed options
