New path makes sustainable connection
25 Jan 2019
Cyclists and walkers will have a new way to travel between Highton, Wandana Heights and Waurn Ponds, with Barwon Water recently completing an off-road path that links the suburbs.
The two kilometre sealed path extends from Roslyn Road in Highton to Pigdons Road Bridge in Waurn Ponds, near Deakin University and the Epworth Hospital.
The 2.5-metre-wide path opens up a new recreation space along the Highton Pipe Reserve, next to Barwon Water’s Highton basin, that was previously closed to the public.
As well as providing additional public land, the path also provides a safe and sustainable transport option for the community and for new residents of the Cumulus Highton estate – a soon-to-be built sustainable housing development on the neighbouring Barwon Water basin site.
Barwon Water’s General Manager Strategy, Systems and Environment Kate Sullivan said this project is one of the ways Barwon Water is finding new uses for its land and infrastructure that benefit the community as part of its Strategy 2030 vision.
“The site where part of the new path has been constructed wasn’t previously accessible to the public. We’re pleased to have transformed that land into useful community infrastructure that will connect people to local services and facilities on bike and foot,” Ms Sullivan said.
“As an organisation committed to fostering regional prosperity, this path provides an additional transport link to two of Geelong’s major organisations, Deakin and Epworth,” she said.
“Providing an active transport option also complements the vision of the adjoining Cumulus Highton estate as a leading and innovative example of sustainable design and living.
“We appreciate the input we received from the local community, who helped us to determine the alignment of the path and the location of seating.”
The City of Greater Geelong will be responsible for maintaining the off-road path and open space.
Barwon Water’s long-term vision is for the path to extend north along the pipe reserve adjoining Scenic Road and connect all the way to the Barwon River.