In readiness for the handover to council’s management, pre and post emergent herbicide to control weed growth and a plan to install signage, guideposts and line marking have been undertaken.
Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler said the Corowa Common Trust is aware and supportive of these works to allow council’s risk management processes to be sufficient.
“Prior to the official opening, the old fence will be removed once the above measures are in place and council signs the agreement to manage the land,” he told councillors at their on-line video conference for June’s monthly meeting yesterday.
“The agreement will remain in place and formalise the public use of the path until the transfer of the Crown Land to Federation Council control from the Corowa Common Trust. This is proving to be a long process with land claim matters requiring to be determined as part of this process.”
The project has been a long held priority for many years and it will be a positive addition to the previously constructed extra width/shared pathway from the centre of Corowa, along Edward Street and out to the commencement of this path.
“Full path connectivity can now occur to enable many users an ability to enjoy the reserves and open space all throughout this area,” the General Manager said.
“Minor maintenance will be required each year, and this has been provided for in council’s draft Long Term Financial Plan. The capital works were as a result of a State Government grant council received several years ago.”
Cr Paul Miegel said the process has been a very long drawn out one but welcomed “a much safer option than walking down that road”.
Cr Gail Law enquired as to an opening date which Mr Butler said he would follow that up. Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch referred to the safety barrier spot at the golf club road entrance which “needs some work to ensure total safety”; council’s director engineering services Steve Carmichael said he will follow up.