Margate–Huntingfield path still has way to go
The Tasmanian Government has released a report into the feasibility study for a new shared path between Huntingfield and Margate, but it doesn’t propose progression of the route that went to public consultation in 2022.
The draft route wound through Margate’s backstreets, followed the Channel Highway for a short stretch and then headed through the Peter Murrell Reserve. Public feedback raised concerns about the route, including its lack of directness, crossings of the highway and cutting through a nature reserve.
The report says the government does not propose any further design or investigation work, but it will talk to Kingborough Council to address issues with the route, design work needed and funding options.
East coast structure plans
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has released draft structure plans for its four main towns but there is little there for people wanting better bike riding paths.
Workshops about the plans are being held in early June:
- Bicheno Saturday 1 June, 9:30–11:30am
Bicheno Memorial Hall, 78 Burgess St, Bicheno - Coles Bay Saturday 1 June, 2–4pm
Coles Bay Community Hall, 60 Harold Street, Coles Bay - Swansea Sunday 2 June, 9:30–11:30am
Swansea Town Hall, 12 Franklin Street, Swansea - Orford-Triabunna Sunday 2 June, 2–4pm
Triabunna Town Hall, 3 Vicary Street, Triabunna
An online survey can be filled out before 10 June and the plans can be downloaded from https://gsbc.tas.gov.au/community-projects/glamorgan-spring-bay-township-structure-plans/
Foreshore trail updates underway
Clarence Council is close to finishing the first of its foreshore trail upgrades with a new three-metre-wide concrete path replacing the narrower asphalt path through Anzac Park (pictured).
The other project yet to start is a new path around Montagu Bay, again replacing a narrow asphalt path.
The council received some funding for the upgrades from the Tasmanian Government’s Better Active Transport program.
Bike Spot to report next month
Tasmanian riders who reported the 650 good and bad "bike spots" around the state at the end of 2023, will soon see the full report of their work.
The report has been held up by the liquidation of the Amy Gillett Foundation, which funded the program, but the Bike Spot app will release a report of the more than 15,000 spots identified nationally.
It will also offer local and state government reports about specific areas: for more details go to www.bikespot.org.