Shoalhaven Heads, River Road - Shared User Path (SUP) Stage 3

Thank you to all who have submitted feedback regarding the Landscaping Plan for the River Road, Shared User Path.

There was strong support with all participants supporting the plan.

32% supporting with no suggested changes and 68% supporting with some changes.

Common suggestions or concerns recuring through the feedback are addressed below.

1. Boulder placement inhibiting parking or access to driveways: A suggestion was raised to adjust the placement of some boulders to ensure access to driveways. This will be considered and implemented where there is little to no impact on the safety objectives of the project.

Concern was raised about bollards or boulders reducing parking in the area. As per the NSW road rules 2014 – REG 197 drivers must not stop on a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area. The proposed boulders will be placed in the reserve or nature strip with an appropriate offset from the road, therefore they do not impact any legal parking zones.

1. Cyclist Fence: As previously discussed during consultation for the Shared User Path Route, this is not within the scope of the landscaping plan. During the site meeting to discuss the path location, the fence was reduced from its original 180m to the most critical 25m as documented in the Path Route. Alternatives such as vegetation barriers have been considered where appropriate to reduce risk as an alternative to cyclist fencing. An example includes the slope leading down to Carter’s Corner. The section opposite No.11 was kept as cyclist fencing due to the community requesting that the palms be kept, and the path be placed near the embankment. As this area has a steep drop and is close to reduced visibility corners, Council maintains that a cyclist fence is an appropriate treatment to risk in this area. A fence will be selected that has minimal profile and is powder coated black to blend in with the surrounds to minimise any visual distinction.

Further comments were made by individuals about doing more work around the entrance to Celia Parade, further trimming to improve sightlines in more vegetated areas, giving consideration toward the ongoing maintenance of the boulder areas and expressing preference to remove boulders entirely. All have been considered and where appropriate will be implemented within the scope and objectives of the project.

In consultation with the Shoalhaven Heads Botanic Gardens, a concept landscaping plan has been developed. Through the landscaping of the path, we seek to provide garden beds that complement the nearby botanic gardens and aesthetically enhance the path with functional barriers between motorized and pedestrian traffic. These goals link in with the project's main objectives to provide safe path for pedestrians while promoting active lifestyles in our communities.

The proposed plan has 3 areas for garden beds similar to those in the botanic gardens. These include shrubs and grasses no more than 1 metre high giving the path some points of interest for those wandering along the foreshore.

Along the length of the path, particularly where the path and road are in closer proximity, barriers of sandstone boulders or bollards will be placed to create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians. These will be supplemented by more native plants that are low-growing. Examples of what these may look like are included in the Shared User Path Landscape Plan published in the 'Document Library' on this web page.

Council is seeking community feedback on the plan. Please complete the Online Survey and provide your input by Wednesday, 8 May 2024.

If objections are raised, please provide some information on what alternatives you would suggest that would uphold the project objectives.

We greatly appreciate the feedback received from the community consultation survey and site walkover. The survey results indicate a strong level of support for the proposed path, and we extend our gratitude to all those who participated. Out of the 41 responses we received, an overwhelming 92.7% expressed positive support for the path. The site walkover saw more positive support and input.

We have carefully reviewed all feedback submitted. Among the survey submissions, 17 included comments, questions, or suggestions with further input received during the site walkover which was attended by approximately 30 residents. As a result, we have confirmed the new shared user path route. These changes received full support from those who participated in the site walkover and align with suggestions made in the survey.

Here are some key insights addressing common themes that emerged during the community consultation:

1. Extending the Path: Many of you expressed a desire to extend the path beyond its current scope. We share this vision and are committed to progressively expanding the path network. However, the scope of the present project is influenced by the grant funding we've received, which comes with specific requirements, including a 2.5-meter width for the path.
2. Landscaping: While our primary focus is on pedestrian safety and promoting active lifestyles, we understand the importance of aesthetics. We've allocated a portion of our funding for landscaping efforts. Now that the path's location is confirmed, we'll begin planning the surrounding landscape. An update with a proposed plan will be provided on our webpage and issued to the Shoalhaven Heads Community Consultative Body (CCB) for comment and acceptance. Included in the works, wattle and dead wood removal will take place to tidy and clear path corridors.
3. Distance from the Road: Some of you mentioned the need to increase the distance between the path and the road. We've explored options within site constraints, safety considerations, and available funding to make these changes. Options supported by the site walkover attendees have been considered, and you can find the resulting changes in the updated route file. Where the path converges with the road, barriers that tie into the landscaping plan will be considered for pedestrian safety.

In response to concerns or opposition to the footpath, one significant issue raised was parking along River Road, which forces pedestrians onto the road and poses safety risks. It's important to clarify that there are currently no signs on this section of River Road prohibiting roadside parking. Please report any unauthorised or illegal parking to our rangers. The construction of the path aims to provide a safer alternative to walking on the road, addressing concerns about pedestrian safety.

Additionally, there have been comments about kerb and guttering. While our project's primary focus is on achieving its core objectives, we have included kerb and guttering elements that contribute to these goals. Expanding kerb and guttering on the south side of River Road in the future is a possibility but falls beyond the scope of this particular project. Our funding comes from TfNSW's Get NSW Active program, which is designed to support initiatives aligned with its objectives. In our case, the funding is allocated to create the path, as it directly supports the program's aims, rather than investing in kerb and guttering where it may not be immediately necessary.

We appreciate your engagement in this process and remain committed to addressing your feedback to create a safe and vibrant community path.

The new shared user path route is published in the 'Document Library' on this web page.

Join us on the Shoalhaven Heads shared user path walkover.

When: Tuesday 5 September 2023

Where: Opposite the Heads Hotel - 51 River Road, Shoalhaven Heads)

Time: 4:30 pm

We will follow the proposed path route by making our way down from opposite the Heads Hotel towards Carters Corner Reserve.

This walkover will provide the final opportunity for the community to provide input and make suggestions to allow Council to proceed with a confirmed route.

Everyone is Welcome!