By PETER DOUGLAS
THE newly formed Friends of Thomson Road Reserve group has started off well after the recent installation of stairs and a path.
The group’s sole ambition is to improve the reserve at Upwey, through working bees and increased infrastructure.
Thanks to Yarra Ranges Shire, the stairs mark the beginning of big things to come, according to the group.
Group convenor Heather Liney said the project was exciting for many reasons.
“Not only does it create a pedestrian link from the railway and shops, but the group is planning to extend the path,” she said.
“The extension will go through to the creek and beyond to Burrinja Cultural Centre and along to Glenfern Bushlands Reserves.”
Ms Liney said this opened up inaccessible land right in the middle of Upwey.
“This is a wonderful community asset that will encourage walking and shorten trips to the shops,” she said.
“It will enable walkers to enjoy the creek and the nature reserve next to it.”
Meanwhile, the formation of the group gives residents an opportunity to join working bees and contribute to an enhanced experience of the creek and vacant council land.
The group is considering the possibility of a park being established at some stage.
Ms Liney praised the council for their efforts in supporting the group.
“Council has been very encouraging of grassroots projects in Upwey and this is an acknowledgement to them for organising a no-fuss improvement,” she said.
“This has made what was a treacherous shortcut now safe and scenic.”
Ms Liney thanked councillor Noel Cliff and council officers Gavin Prentice and Sarah Fowler.
“It shows that persistence, timing and community involvement can really help in getting facilities built,” she said.
The formation of the Friends of Thompson Road Reserve group kicked off with a community meeting on the site.
Details on upcoming working bees are available on the group’s Facebook page.
