Implementation of Waterfall Way Path Connectivity Project
Published on 29 September 2023
Council is starting production on improving the footpath connectivity along the northern side of Waterfall Way, from Prince Street to Doepel Street. As part of our Pedestrian and Mobility Plan (PAMP), this initiative aims to improve accessibility and address safety concerns arising from extensive use of the nearby sporting fields on weekends and after hours.
In preparation for this project, the Council conducted Arborist and Heritage assessments of the trees lining the Heritage Avenue between the Butter Factory and the CBD, encompassing both the northern and southern sections of the road. The findings indicated that numerous ageing trees have reached the natural conclusion of their life cycles, displaying structural defects that present significant safety and maintenance concerns.
Council’s Heritage Advisor, acknowledges the loss of the original trees and notes “As 'living' heritage items it is inevitable that they will not last forever. The factors of the infrastructure of power lines and road widening over the years make it difficult to reinstate the original avenue and the proposed planting plan offers a good offset and compensatory plantings for the trees to be removed”.
As a result of this comprehensive evaluation, a decision has been made to proceed with the removal of a total of eight Heritage trees and five Non-Heritage trees on the north side of Waterfall Way. Additionally, five Heritage Trees on the south side will also be removed.
The Council’s commitment to project integrity and vision, coupled with enhanced spacing and design for the tree corridor, introduces a more beautiful and intentional passage. This transformation will provide shade, greenery, and better pedestrian connectivity. Equally crucial, it will address the damage caused by these selected trees to roadside infrastructure, easing drainage issues
With Connell Park upgrades to commence in the near future, replacement trees will be planted post-completion of this project on the southern alignment of Waterfall Way. Council is exploring opportunities to compliment the tree corridor through the proposed Connell Park upgrades, creating a proud, prominent and beautiful community space.
To minimise the impact on existing vegetation in this area, the project scope was changed to include sections of elevated footpath, preserving eight trees within the Golf Course area, and ensuring a continuous tree-lined avenue along the northern side of Waterfall Way which in strengthened through undertaking significant additional planting. Council has scheduled to progress tree removal on Monday 9October.
Markers are to be placed where additional planting is proposed, and where existing trees are to be removed, to help the community understand the project's vision and impact.
As Council’s Deputy General Manager Operations, Ashley Greenwood noted, 'Before these trees, this road had no greenery and the Heritage Avenue was created to remedy that. Additional trees are now to be introduced, breathing new life into this important entry statement for Bellingen township. Our vision is to strengthen this corridor with carefully selected replacement plantings.'
The replacement planting along the boundary of the Bellingen Golf Club will include a selection of Gum and Callistemon and will fill in the gaps where the golf course is exposed.
The pedestrian connectivity Bellingen CBD to Buttery Factory path on Waterfall Way aligns with the 2035 Community Vision commitment to length new cycleways and footpaths and upgrade accessibility – the project aims to:
- Improve Accessibility: Creating a 2.5-meter-wideshared path for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Enhance Safety: Addressing pedestrian-vehicleconflicts near sporting fields to prioritize community safety.
- Preserve Heritage: Replacing aging trees with mature speciesto preserve the essence of our historic avenue.
https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Services/RoadsBridgesMajor-Projects/RoadsBridgesMajor-Projects/Special-Projects/Footpath-Bellingen-CBD-to-Buttery-Factory