SAFETY and accessibility concerns have been raised by regular users of a new walking and cycling trail through Penola’s Greenrise Recreational Reserve.
Slip hazards caused by sheep droppings, the use of barbed wire on fencing and difficulties opening the gates are among the issues raised by walkers and cyclists who have used the popular trail since its realignment.
The Penola Bypass development led to changes, including an extension of the trail through a paddock, which houses livestock managed by the Penola Lions Club.
The Greenrise Recreational Reserve Advisory Committee has already signalled its intentions to address community-raised concerns at its next meeting, while
Wattle Range Council has stated the project is ongoing and no complaints have been received.
Penola resident Gerry Haines – who regularly walks the trail in a group – raised concerns over the sheep droppings and barbed wire use, also stating people with arthritis struggled to open the locks.
“We have had one woman slip because of the sheep droppings on the walking path,” Ms Haines told The Pennant.
“We have since commented about it to the Lions Club and they have moved the sheep into another paddock,” she said.
“The group of women that I walk with have not used the path in the last few weeks, we have been walking around town instead or along the highway rather than going through here.
“If we walk with the traffic we are usually fine, but it is when we must cross the road it gets a bit worrying but it is a pity the path does not work out for everyone.”
Penola cyclist Diz Morgan believed the gates had become an inconvenience for some users.
“As a cyclist I must get off my bike every time I come to the gates,” Mr Morgan said.
“People with prams have also said they find it difficult and awkward to open the gates and utilise the new track but there is also barb wire wrapped around the fence which was not a good move.”
Mr Morgan suggested moving the trail out of the sheep paddock between the boundary fence and highway, instead of cutting through the paddock.
“That way we are nowhere near sheep and we are also nowhere near the road,” he said.
Greenrise Recreational Reserve Advisory Committee chairperson Brendan Provis said the committee would discuss the issue at its next meeting.
“If it is creating problems for people to get around there then it would be something we address as we wish to encourage people to use the track,” Mr Provis said.
“We would look at speaking to councillors on the issue and see what we can do to address it.
“I am also happy for people to contact me to discuss any issues regarding the track however we are only the advisory committee and can only make recommendations to council.”
Wattle Range Council deputy chief executive Paul Duka said council had not received any complaints about the walking trail.
“The Greenrise walking trail project is not complete yet,” Mr Duka said.
“We are not aware of any issues, however residents are able to speak to our council customer service team.”
