Month: June 2014

State Budget includes two trail development projects

Posted on by Walking SA

Yesterday’s State Budget included allocation to two walking trail projects.

Project 1: Multi-day walking trail on Kangaroo Island

Walking the south-west coast of Kangaroo Island, Jeremy Carter IMG_8667$2.25m was allocated towards the first 50% of the proposed multi-day walking trail in the south west of the island. The trail will feature camping areas and will be constructed in five sections over two and a half years. This follows past work in developing a Kangaroo Island strategic plan and trail feasibility studies.

Project 2: Realignment of Heysen Trail along the South Coast

Tunkalilla Beach with Tunk Head beyond, Jeremy Carter IMG 4533$1.1m was allocated for the realignment and further development of the Heysen Trail along the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula at Tunkalilla Beach. The expenditure is set for the June quarter, 2015.

The realignment will continue the trail along the spectacular southern coastline, over Tunk Head and along the cliffs of Balqhidder Station, avoiding the inland one-day trek around the station.

Verdun Bridge Feasibility Study Final Report

Posted on by Walking SA
The Pioneer Women’s Trail was completed in 2007 but remains incomplete near the Hills trailhead until the best location for a pedestrian/cycling bridge to span the Onkaparinga River can be determined. This bridge will then enable the trailhead to be located in Pioneer Park, Hahndorf.

The final report, including maps, images and plans can be viewed at walkingsa.org.au/verdunbridge.

The bridge on Sandow Road Reserve will provide strategic links to the Heysen Trail, the Amy Gillett trail and to the proposed trailhead at Pioneer Park, Hahndorf and will allow the Pioneer Women’s Trail to be completed from Silver Road to Hahndorf.

PLB_SandowURR_Bridgesite preview

The Pioneer Women’s Trail commemorates the pioneer women and girls who, soon after arriving in 1838, walked overnight from Hahndorf to hawk their produce in Adelaide. They continued to make this journey for almost two decades, leaving at midnight to walk 35 kilometres along a rough bush track. At 4.00 am they would reach a small stream in the foothills near Beaumont, wash their sore feet and tidy themselves before walking into Adelaide to hawk their produce. They would then purchase needles and thread, sugar, tea, tobacco for their menfolk and carry two bricks each to build a new church at Hahndorf.

Walking SA received a grant from the Office for Recreation & Sport SA (ORS) in 2004 for the planning and installation of the Pioneer Women’s Trail. The trailhead for the section of the Pioneer Women’s Trail completed in 2007 commences at Verdun.

The Bridge Feasibility Study recommends an optimal location for the bridge on Sandow Road, Verdun and an innovative and cost-effective bridge design.

A further grant from the Office for Recreation and Sport made under the Community Recreational and Sports Facilities Program in 2013 enabled Walking SA to engage an independent consultant, Meechi Road to explore the optimal site for a pedestrian/cycling bridge across the Onkaparinga River and to engage a bridge engineer, Christiane Husmann of Magryn Engineering, to prepare plans for a crossing at the preferred site.

The Bridge Feasibility Study recommends an optimal location for the bridge on Sandow Road, Verdun and an innovative and cost-effective bridge design. It also identifies the remaining challenges that lie ahead before bridge construction can proceed and before the Pioneer Women’s Trail can be completed to Hahndorf.

The challenge will be to attract sufficient funds

This feasibility study concluded that the bridge will be a cost effective addition to the Adelaide Hills Trails Network and will provide a safe crossing of the Onkaparinga River – especially as the peak of river flooding corresponds with the peak of walking activity. A cheaper, “fair weather” crossing such as a ford or stepping stones is also not recommended due to the proximity to the nearby Hills Christian School, Verdun. The bridge on Sandow Road Reserve will provide strategic links to the Heysen Trail, the Amy Gillett trail and to the proposed trailhead at Pioneer Park, Hahndorf and will allow the Pioneer Women’s Trail to be completed from Silver Road to Hahndorf. However several pinch points along Onkaparinga Valley Road between Sandow Road and the existing Silver Road trailhead are of concern and will need to be addressed. An easement from Heysen Road entrance to “The Cedars” through to Sandow Road Reserve – while not essential will eliminate the need to use the two short triangular sections of Redden Road currently used by the Heysen Trail. This possible easement will need to be negotiated by District Council of Mt Barker.

The challenge will be to attract sufficient funds from a future Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program and other State and Federal Government grants, from Adelaide Hills Council and District Council of Mt Barker and from corporate sponsorship to bring Christiane Husmann’s bridge design to fruition and link the Pioneer Women’s Trail to the Adelaide Hills Trails Network.

The final report, including maps, images and plans can be viewed at walkingsa.org.au/verdunbridge.

View Full Report

John Eaton
Project Manager, Verdun Bridge Feasibility Study
Walking SA

Position Vacant – Executive Officer, Walking SA

Posted on by Walking SA

The Board seeks to employ an Executive Officer for Walking SA.

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often.

Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims and objectives align with those of Walking SA.

The Executive Officer reports to the Board Chairperson and is responsible for growing, leading and coordinating the activities of the organisation and to champion and represent the organisation to the wider community, including other peak recreational bodies, government departments and other key stakeholders.

Key duties include, working closely with the Board to plan and implement strategies for the growth and sustainability of the organisation, financial planning, marketing and website maintenance and maintaining a positive, healthy and safe working environment.

We require someone with leadership, management and financial skills with a passion for promoting walking to the community. Excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills are a must as well as demonstrated experience in securing funding and managing multiple- agency projects.

Remuneration of $30,000 per annum for approximately 20hrs per week; plus superannuation; times and location are negotiable.

More information about Walking SA can be found at: www.walkingsa.org.au.

Please forward your resume providing evidence of your skills and experience and the contact details for 3 referees to Ms Cate Mettam by email to cate.mettam@walkingsa.org.au or for any brief telephone enquiries on: 0428 841 715.

Applications must be received by COB Friday 20th June 2014.

Download Position Description