New trail is ‘off track’

By Tania Martin
EMERALD residents and cyclists have called the newly launched Emerald-Cockatoo trail dangerous.
Residents claim that the trail has inadequate signage, and that certain parts of the trail are perilously steep.
Emerald Village Committee member John Dudley said the trail has been under a lot of criticism from local residents because of its overall cost of $605,000.
Mr Dudley said many residents in Emerald and Cockatoo think the money should have been spent on basic maintenance and improvements to existing unmade roads rather then spent on the trail.
He said residents feel that Shire of Cardinia planners have produced a down market trail which is hazardous for use by cyclists, elderly people and small children.
Founder of the Warby Ghost Riders Dennis Dawson said the trail was not the ideal track for beginner riders and that the signage was inadequate.
He said whether walking, running or riding, people who don’t know the area could get lost going from one section of the track to another because of a lack of signs.
Mr Dawson has also raised concerns over the steepness of the track in certain parts.
He said there was a particularly steep zig-zag bend near Nobelius Station that would be very dangerous for a young child on a bike.
“It is only a matter of time before a young child goes straight off the end and into a gum tree,” he said.
Shire manager of governance and communication Doug Evans said parts of the trail was quite steep because of the nature of the land.
He said the council was aware that the trail would need ongoing maintenance work to keep it up to appropriate standards.
Mr Evans said the trail had been inspected and it was felt that there was adequate signage for people using the trail.
Emerald retailer Peter Warren, also an experienced cyclist, said the track was suitable for experienced riders.
However he said it was not suitable for occasional bike riding families.
He said the hills are steep and the signage leaves a lot to be desired for visitors.