Smiths Creek Reserve - trail and access improvements
Council has received grant funding under the NSW Government Places to Roam funding program to improve recreation outcomes for the community and reduce impacts on the environment.
We're wanting to make improvements to walking trails and signage to help visitors access trails throughout Smiths Creek Reserve.
To reduce vehicle access to our largest urban bushland reserve, we'll be installing new gates and other barriers, at key points across the reserve.
These works aim to improve the walking experience for people, while also protecting plant and animal habitat.
The proposed works include:
- Trail improvements: Upgrades to fire trails and walking trails including improvements to pathways and drainage to reduce impact on the environment and improve access as well as a new 580 metre green-link trail linking the Leumeah Precinct to Smiths Creek through the Leumeah Scout Hall. See the proposed trail improvements.
- New wayfinding signage: New signage at major entry points as well as trail markers to improve wayfinding.
- Vehicle mitigation: Installation of new gates and vehicle mitigation measures such as fencing and barriers, at key points across the reserve. This aims to increase community safety and reduce environmental impacts of illegal trail bike use which is prohibited in all Council recreational parks and natural bushland reserves.
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Fire trail and vehicle mitigation measures
Share Fire trail and vehicle mitigation measures on Facebook Share Fire trail and vehicle mitigation measures on Twitter Share Fire trail and vehicle mitigation measures on Linkedin Email Fire trail and vehicle mitigation measures link- Fire trail upgrades progressing
Fire trail upgrades across Smiths Creek Reserve are now underway.
These works will ensure emergency services have better access to the reserve while ensuring the trails are smoother for people to enjoy walking through the area.
Drainage improvements will also help to prevent environmental damage during weather events.
Pictured is our team with the grader, which is used to re-shape the trails before they are then compacted using an 8-tonne roller to help make the fire trails more accessible
- Vehicle mitigation measures
Works have now started to install vehicle mitigation measures at key access points around the reserve.
Concrete barriers are being put in place this week at the Waminda Oval, Campbelltown and Georges River Road, Airds entrances.
These measures aim to increase community safety and reduce environmental impacts of illegal trail bike use.
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Trail works have now started
Share Trail works have now started on Facebook Share Trail works have now started on Twitter Share Trail works have now started on Linkedin Email Trail works have now started linkWorks have started to upgrade the walking trails in Smiths Creek Reserve to widen and stabilise the existing trails throughout the Reserve to improve the walking experience for visitors.
The works are starting from the Georges River Road entrance to the reserve and will include more than 5km of trail upgrades as well as a new 580 metre green link trail at the Leumeah end of the reserve.
These works will also ensure access to the reserve is improved for emergency services as part of Council's obligations under the Macarthur Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.
The project is expected to be completed within a month, weather permitting. All works are taking place with strict environmental controls in place to ensure the surrounding environment is protected.
These works follow the completion of an art project at the old pylons found near the Corunna Avenue entrance which showcases some of the amazing creatures that can be found in the Reserve.
Renowned artists Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs from MadWings Murals led the art project with help from some of our Leaping Learners Early Education Centre students and educators, students from The Clontarf Foundation and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy.
