What’s Happening in Warrandyte?

WCA committee members meet quarterly with Manningham Council Infrastructure managers regarding planned and “in progress” infrastructure projects in the Warrandyte area. It is an opportunity to hear what is coming up and to provide comment. Council consult with other groups, as well as residents in affected areas and hold public consultation meetings where the issue is of interest to the wider community.

The following is a brief summary of projects discussed at our last meetings, that are in the planning and implementation stages.

Pound Road to Naughtons Avenue footpath
Pound Road carries considerable resident traffic and visitors to the State park. Residents have requested a more formal footpath that is off the road and safe for a range of users.  They have differing views on the width and alignment of the footpath  and materials to be used. There was a site meeting in October 2023, and community consultation in late November where residents had the opportunity to view the plans, discuss with officers and provide feedback.

Council officers have subsequently made some changes. There was concern re the gravel between Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd  and Diane Court, so Council officers are proposing concrete with an asphalt skin finish. They would use a cross fall to get an even run-off. From Diane Court to Campbell Court the path would be gravel. Heading down from Campbell court where it gets steep would be concrete with gravel in places. There will be no kerb and channel though perhaps across some properties it will be necessary. The majority of the path will be gravel. There will be planting and vegetation along the path.  Width is 1200mm, but 900mm at the tight corners. The Council Environment team has been consulted to find a weaving/ meandering alignment between the trees, that does not result in damage to the trees and their eventual loss.

The path will be completed in two stages. The first stage will be the path from Diane Court to the State Park. In the second stage Council aims to upgrade the instersection of Pound Road and Heidelberg-Warrandyte road, as well as, constructing the path to link to Diane Court to increase safety for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The aim is traffic calming. 200 properties use the intersection.

Jumping Creek Road
It is five projects in the next five years and there will  be a unique solution for each. The path from Nelson Drive to the bridge has been completed. There was no native vegetation removal. This is a great result as the original plan was for 400 trees to be removed. Weed removal and planting are continuing.  Drainage will be improved on the south side of Jumping Creek Road between the bridge and Ringwood Warrandyte Road. There will be underground drainage.

There will be an upgrade of road safety barriers at the bridge and roundabout.

The work on the pathway to the Wonga Park township has been completed, although there are some gaps where there are outstanding issues.

There will be traffic lights at the Dudley Road intersection, rather than a roundabout as fewer trees will be lost. The will not be lights at Yarra Road. Regarding the road alignment from Vine court thru Wonga Park township to Homestead Road,  50-60 tress will be removed. A planning permit for their removal will be submitted soon.

Five Ways
Council is looking at an upgrade of the 5 Ways Intersection, possibly with a roundabout, as this would have the effect of getting more traffic on Croydon Road and less on Jumping Creek Road.

Brackenbury Street drainage 
This is in the design phase. There will be some unavoidable  loss of native vegetation.

Taroona Avenue path
The last meeting was in February 2023. Council officers need to do more investigation as the alignment has changed, and so the cultural heritage study has to be undertaken, as it is within 200m of a waterway. This could take some time. Council will clean up the gravel shoulder on the north side of Taroona Avenue for parking and make some indented parking. WCA members raised the possibility of right angle parking, which will be considered when all of the parking is reviewed.

Melbourne Hill Road drainage
Stage 1, from Warrandyte-Heidelberg Road up the hill, is nearing completion. Then there will be a 12 month break before the next stage.

Everard Drive drainage
Despite their best efforts to bring the project forward, the March/April 2024 completion date will not be achieved due to the complex services being intersected. Council will re-bitumen the road after completion of the works. The outfall drainage will not be over State Park land.

Mitchel Avenue drainage 
The drain will go down the road. It is in concept / design phase and will take 2 years.

Yarra River track
This has been completed. Council laid turf spread and seed as well. It should be more attractive and durable, as it is a high use area for the market, walkers and runners.

Parking in Warrandyte
WCA raised the issue of the limited parking in Warrandyte, exacerbated on weekends, when there are sporting events, festivals and the market. We believe that Warrandyte needs  a parking or vehicle strategy.

Drain Maintenance
WCA raised the issue of drain clearing. While this is necessary before Winter, there are dangers if the drains are scooped too deeply and the asphalt is left overhanging the drain.

Celebrate National Eucalyptus Day

Eucalypts of the Birrarung walk with Rod Fensham
Saturday 23rd March, 2024
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Warrandyte State Park, Pound Bend Reserve
Find out more and get tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/eucalypts-of-the-birrarung-walk-with-professor-rod-fensham