Meander Valley Council has released a structure plan that includes a goal of better walking and cycling connections but dashes hopes for improved cycling infrastructure along Westbury Road.
The plan, covering Prospect Vale, Blackstone Heights and Travellers Rest, is aiming for all ages and abilities routes that utilise paths, lanes and shared streets to improve connections to workplaces, schools, parks and bus stops.
New routes are shown on a map that determines whether they are primary and secondary but doesn’t designate which will be shared paths and which will be cycling-specific links.
The plan states that routes that are designated as walking links may be able to be upgraded to primary routes if further investigations show it is possible to provide cycling access.
Primary routes are the spine of the network, connecting across the area, whereas secondary routes connect local attractions to the spine.
- A new pathway along Panorama Road, creating safe access to bus stops and further development of ‘The Loop’.
- New west–east link running from Hadspen, through Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale, to Prospect.
- New north–south link between Travellers Rest and Blackstone Heights.
- New walking link between Pitcher Park and Duck Reach, with connections to Cataract Gorge.
- New north–south link between Pitcher Park, the Country Club, and the Westbury Road Activity Centre through linear open spaces, such as along Dalrymple Creek.
- New east–west link between Pitcher Park and Saint Patricks College through linear open spaces.
- Prioritisation of walking movements along Westbury Road and Mount Leslie Road.
- Reinforcement of pathway links through a chain of open spaces within Prospect Vale.
Interestingly, the plan states where new dwellings are built too far away to walk to bus stops that a cycling route and secure bike parking at bus stops will be provided.
You can comment on the plan before 8 February via https://www.meander.tas.gov.au/community-consultation-draft-prospect-vale-blackstone-heights-structure-plan
Main image: openstreetmap.org
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