Work halted on 9km path along historic Sydney Water pipeline from Beacon Hill to St Ives
A chorus of complaints from northern beaches locals has halted work on a $7m path along a historic Sydney Water pipeline. Here’s the latest.
Manly
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Work has been brought to a halt on a $7.2 million shared walking and cycling path on the northern beaches that follows the corridor of a historic above ground Sydney Water pipe.
A chorus of complaints from locals about not being consulted on a section of the 9km “Pipeline Active Transport Corridor”, between Beacon Hill and St Ives, has forced Northern Beaches Council to suspend construction.
The council had already laid a small length of the 3m-wide concrete path in a reserve at Frenchs Forest, but residents whose properties back onto the park say, it will wreck the “beautiful” green space.
Frenchs Forest ward councillor Jose Menano-Pires said he had been approached by residents worried about a large part of Rangers Retreat Road Reserve being swallowed up by the path as well as concerns about lighting shining into their backyards.
In December the council announced that work had started on the path that cuts through bushland and reserves stretching more than 9km from Beacon Hill to St Ives, on the North Shore.
The council, and Transport for NSW, are taking advantage of the land corridor, already popular with walkers, joggers, dog walkers and mountain bikers, which was created for the Manly Warringah water supply pipeline in 1930.
The pipeline, which can be seen in multiple above ground locations at Beacon Hill, Frenchs Forest, Belrose and Davidson, runs from Pymble Reservoir to Dee Why.
The council said in December that the trail would provide walkers and cyclists with a wider, safer way to travel between suburbs.
It is to be completed in eight stages.
However when work started on “Section Six” from Bantry Bay Rd to Warringah Rd, via Rangers Retreat Road Reserve, Cr Menano-Pires said locals “began knocking on my door”.
The reserve is slightly north of the pipeline corridor, but provides more direct access to a pedestrian/cycling bridge over nearby busy Wakehurst Parkway.
Cr Menano-Pires said he had called for the council to stop work until residents were given a chance to have a say.
A public “Your Say” survey period has started and ends on February 19.
“There have been about 50 responses to the council so far,” Cr Menano-Pires said.
“It was suspended because there was no community consultation on the detail.
“I think most people support the concept, but they were not aware of the various designs in the various sections.
“There was consultation with cycling bodies, but what about the residents who suddenly saw concrete being poured for a 3m-wide concrete path outside their back doors?
Resident Liz Pasqualini, a local artist whose property backs onto the reserve, said on Monday that it would be wrecked by a concrete path.
“The reserve is beautiful, virtually untouched and its used by children to play football and cricket,” Ms Pasqualini said.
“A lot of the properties have gates that open out onto the reserve and we’d like it to stay like that.
“And it’s where the neighbourhood has its annual Christmas party.
“A lot of us support the idea of the path, but I don't understand whey they want to dig up a beautiful area of grass that’s lovely and untouched.
“You don’t often find patches of green space like that, do you?”
To have your say, click here.
THE TRAIL – SECTION BY SECTION
Section 1 – Ku-ring-gai
Falls within Garigal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Council area. Currently an unsealed access road accessible by mountain bikes and bush walkers.
Approx length of 2350m from Hunter Ave to Middle Harbour Creek via the pipeline trail.
This is part of shared works between Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council which is currently unfunded.
Section 2 – Middle Harbour Creek Bridge
Creek crossing at Middle Harbour Creek. Currently no access across creek at this location. Bushwalking track to “stepping stone” creek crossing located approx. 800m upstream. Potential for a lightweight bridge to be installed.
Approx length of 40m from Middle Harbour Creek to Middle Harbour Creek via Middle Harbour Creek Bridge.
This is part of shared works between Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council which is currently unfunded.
Section 3 – Davidson Trail
Falls partly in Garigal National Park. Partly sealed with rough asphalt or corrugated concrete with very steep gradients. Popular for bushwalking and used by mountain bikes.
Approx length of 40m from Middle Harbour Creek to Middle Harbour Creek via Middle Harbour Creek Bridge.
This is part of shared works between Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council which is currently unfunded.
Section 4 – Prahan Ave
Section mainly consists of a wide grass access track alongside pipeline. Currently used mainly for recreational walking.
Approx length of 1010m from John Oxley Dr to John Oxley Dr via Prahran Ave.
Section 5 – Frenchs Forest West
Section mainly consists of unsealed or grass access road alongside pipeline. Currently used mainly for recreational walking.
Approx length of 1580m from John Oxley Dr to Warringah Rd using existing unsealed pathway.
Section 6 – Bantry Bay
Part unsealed access track, part sealed access road. Route diverts from Pipeline to allow more direct route to existing Wakehurst Parkway overbridge.
Approx length of 1580m from Bantry Bay Rad, via Rangers Retreat Reserve and pipeline to Warringah Rd.
Section 7 – Manly Dam
Unsealed access track alongside pipeline. This section of track is very popular with mountain bikers and walkers. Corridor forms part of the area’s informal mountain bike network.
Approx length of 1400m from Wakehurst Parkway to Allambie Rd via Manly Dam bike trail.
Section 8 – Allambie Heights
Grass verge alongside pipeline. Generally used by walkers and mountain bikers.
Approx length of 650m from Allambie Rd to Ethie Rd, Beacon Hill via pipeline.
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