By Anthony Gleeson
Stage one of the K Road Cliff Walk above the Werribee River floodplains is complete and visitors have been wowed by the spectacular views, with some comparing them to Kakadu.
This short walk of around 200 metres takes you to heavily-eroded cliffs which appear to change colour during the day under different light conditions.
Following community consultation, Wyndham City Council prepared a master plan for the cliff walk which included new carparks, reflective viewing spaces, terraces suitable for bird watching, as well as revegetation.
Council needs to be congratulated on the quality of materials used in the project. A very solid shelter shed with seats and tables are made out of recycled soft plastics and the connecting walkway is also constructed from what will no doubt be low maintenance and long lasting materials.
Along the way, seats are provided from where people can enjoy the view or simply birdwatch over the world renowned wetlands which is very important for many migratory and other birds.
Education is also given a high priority. Tastefully presented signs explain many aspects of the area and district. Some of the topics covered are: local Indigenous life, cultural history, birdlife, animals, local flora, European settlement, geology, the role of water, and caring for Country.
This project has the dual purpose of providing access to spectacular views while at the same time offering some protection via the revegetation of local native trees, grasses and shrubs on the heavily-eroded red cliffs, which in some places are more than 30 metres high. It also consists of three very solidly constructed stairways down to the river where people can link up with the walking tracks and popular fishing spots.
With stage one now complete work has started on stage two which will consist of rebuilding 2.8 kilometres of K Road with sealed shoulders. This will also deliver an improved intersection to Main Drive boosting access to major attractions such as the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, the NatIonal Equestrian Centre and the Victorian State Rose Garden, as well as a shared user path for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhanced connections to existing bus stops.
Both the Victorian Government’s and Melbourne Water’s contributions to the project are appreciated and acknowledged by Wyndham City Council.
This is a true example of community consultation at its best. Good input from the community implemented in constructing the overall master plan. This was enacted using long lasting materials which focused on sustainability principles to create a facility which brings many plusses to the area.
Why not spend time there in the near future – you definitely won’t regret it.
