A PROPOSED project by the Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier to restore a treacherous section of walking trail around the Valley Lakes has received initial support from Mount Gambier City Council.
Lakes Rotary Club community committee member Rod Sparks wrote to council expressing a desire to restore a portion of walking trail off Keegan Drive, along a track between the Valley Lake and Leg of Mutton known as The Saddle.
“It has degraded considerably with erosion and use,” Mr Sparks said.
“The track has become precarious with exposed roots and uneven surfaces.”
He proposed a first stage of a “potentially ongoing project” to restore the area.
“In proposing this project, we are cognisant of the conservation management plan for the Crater Lakes and believe that this project is in line with this plan,” Mr Sparks said.
“We also believe the project would enhance the conservation and promotion of the Lakes area.”
The Rotary club will require council staff to develop the necessary design details, development approvals and project parameters in consultation with the various stakeholders.
The physical and material costs for the project are expected to be met by the Lakes Rotary Club.
“Our club has some financial and labour resources at our disposal as well as expertise in construction and conservation management, which could be utilised in planning and undertaking this endeavour,” Mr Sparks said.
“We would envisage contributing these resources in conjunction with those of the council which we hope would provide detailed designs and engineering for the works.
The project was discussed at Tuesday night’s Economic and Environment Committee meeting with councillors providing “in principle support.”
Councillor Ben Hood asked if council would have the opportunity to have input on the design of the track.
Council infrastructure general manager Nick Serle indicated there would not be any significant changes to the design of the track during the project.
“The conservation management plan for that area will prevent us from going outside the already disturbed footprint without significant approval,” Mr Serle said.
“So the intention is not to do that, the intention is to re-instate the existing track.”
Councillor Sonya Mezinec took the opportunity to praise the service club for coming up with the initiative.
“I think it’s a great project and is just another great example of where we have a service club which is doing some terrific work in the community,” she said.
“That’s an area that is walked by lots of people daily so it is fantastic they are willing to do this.”
Walking the popular trail yesterday afternoon, Mount Gambier resident Stella Harfield welcomed the proposal.
“The improvements to the walking trail would be great especially now that we are coming up to the summer months when people will start walking the trail more,” Ms Harfield said.
“Any improvements to walking trails are good improvements and with how the trail is at the moment it is a bit of a tripping hazard.”
“Regular walkers of the trail will be happy, especially those with young children.”
Council is yet to formally adopt the proposal at its full chamber meeting.
