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<p>Hi all,<br>
</p>
<p>As mentioned in previous update, Yarra Council met last Tuesday
(2nd August) to decide upon the proposed path.</p>
<p><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org/2016/08/08/yarra-council-approves-rushall-reserve-shared-path/">http://www.yarrabug.org/2016/08/08/yarra-council-approves-rushall-reserve-shared-path/</a></p>
<p>It was an incredibly long evening with a packed Richmond Town
Hall council meeting that also heard two other big local issues
(South Vietnamese flag & ongoing CUB dispute)<br>
<br>
Many of us stayed right to the end for the Rushall vote, which
finally came at a eye-watering 12.30am on Wednesday morning. <br>
</p>
<p>Please scroll down this page for additional details and motion
passed with amendments.<br>
<br>
A heartfelt thank you must go to Zoe Metherell, Maude Farrugia and
many local residents for the wonderfully positive Share Rushall
Reserve – Build the Path campaign, and please stay in touch on the
facebook group. <br>
</p>
<p><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174422815931531/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174422815931531/</a><br>
</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your continued strong support to improve
accessibility to the Rushall Reserve area and Merri Creek Trail!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
*****<br>
<br>
From City of Yarra: Council approves Rushall Reserve Shared Path
(8 August 2016)</p>
<p><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/hot-topics/rushall-approval/">http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/hot-topics/rushall-approval/</a></p>
<p><br>
Yarra City Council will proceed with plans to build a shared path
in Rushall Reserve in North Fitzroy, following extensive community
engagement on the proposal.<br>
<br>
The path will link the existing Merri Creek Trail between Rushall
Station and Koonda Lat Bridge, providing enhanced access to the
Reserve.<br>
<br>
In particular the path will make the Reserve accessible to people
with mobility issues, people with children in prams, and people
using Yarra’s off-road bicycle network. It will also provide a
safer connection to bypass the pedestrian underpass at Rushall
Station.<br>
<br>
Council made the decision at its Meeting on 2 August, which was
attended by about 100 community members. At the meeting, Council
heard and considered submissions from 28 people expressing a range
of views on the project.<br>
<br>
Council’s decision follows multiple phases of community engagement
on the project, beginning in 2015. Consultation on a draft design
for the shared path earlier this year saw contributions from
hundreds of community members.<br>
<br>
The construction of the path is subject to approval from VicTrack
and necessary planning permit approvals.<br>
<br>
Council thanks all those who participated in the community
consultation on this project for their valuable feedback and
ideas.<br>
<br>
Read Council’s full resolution below:<br>
<br>
COUNCIL RESOLUTION<br>
<br>
That Council notes:<br>
(a) the proposals for “a safer, more environmentally sympathetic
and user friendly trail” at Rushall Reserve as proposed in the
2008 Merri Creek Trail Review;<br>
<br>
(b) the extensive consultation process on path design and Reserve
amenity during April – May 2016, as determined by Council
resolution at its meeting on 21 July 2015, following an earlier
consultation process March – May 2015;<br>
<br>
(c) quantitative data identified that:<br>
<br>
(i) 127 of 205 local Yarra respondents generally supported the
draft design, while 76 Yarra respondents did not support the path
or had concern with the draft design;<br>
<br>
(ii) 62 of 97 local non-Yarra respondents supported the draft
design with or without modification, while 34 did not support the
path or had concern with the draft design;<br>
<br>
(d) a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) found that no
Aboriginal cultural heritage material was located and was unlikely
to be located within the activity area given the high levels of
disturbance across the high activity area;<br>
<br>
(e) feedback from the Disability Advisory Committee seeking an
asphalt surface rather than concrete;<br>
<br>
That Council:<br>
(a) resolves to proceed with the construction of a 2.0 metre
asphalt path on the edge of Rushall Reserve linking the existing
Merri Creek Trail between Rushall Station and Koonda Lat Bridge
generally consistent with the design consulted on with the
community during April-May 2016, with adjustments as per (d)
below;<br>
<br>
(b) authorises officers to prepare the necessary information to
submit a planning permit application as required under the Yarra
Planning Scheme;<br>
<br>
(c) endorses a re-design of the path, with the objective of
retaining the significant tree shown as Number 5 on Attachment 1
on the basis that the final design is assessed against the
AustRoads Guidelines, in the event that the above is not able to
be achieved, authorises officers to commence the planning permit
application for the removal of the significant tree as required
under the Yarra Planning Scheme;<br>
<br>
(d) endorses the final design to include the following items:<br>
<br>
(i) except where decking is required, that the path be constructed
in asphalt;<br>
<br>
(ii) offset the path (in a particular location) to provide the
required separation from the City West Water pipe;<br>
<br>
(iii) measures to slow the speed of bicycles and other mobility
aids using the path;<br>
<br>
(iv) planting of intermittent low vegetation along the edge of the
path with appropriate segments of fencing with gates for
pedestrian access;<br>
<br>
(v) 1.4 metre high fencing along the embankment as a safety
measure;<br>
<br>
(vi) additional seating in the reserve, the installation of a
drinking fountain with a dog bowl, and improved signage;<br>
<br>
(vii) tree planting in the reserve and ground covers, to offset
any tree and vegetation removal;<br>
<br>
(viii) utilise decking (where necessary) over tree protection
zones within the Reserve to minimise disturbance to mature trees;
and<br>
<br>
(ix) have regard to VicTrack risk assessment requirements; and<br>
<br>
(e) endorses removal of the existing no-through asphalt path in
the Reserve given strong support for its replacement with turf to
increase green open space in the Reserve;<br>
<br>
That Council continues advocacy to transport agencies including
Transport for Victoria to upgrade the sub-standard rail underpass
and toilet facilities at Rushall Station, to accommodate secure
bicycle parking at the station, and to seek commitment to such
with a timeframe for implementation as part of State transport
planning.</p>
<p>That Council authorises officers to communicate this resolution
to people who made submissions as part of the consultation process
and thank them for their input.</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<br>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
<big><b><span style="color: #006600;">Listen to <a
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/">Yarra Bicycle Users
Group Radio</a></span></b></big><br>
<b><span style="color: #006600;">Every Monday morning 10am on <a
href="http://www.3cr.org.au/">3CR 855AM Community Radio</a></span></b><br>
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