A 260 metre section of the Tracker Riley Walkway and Cycle Path that runs alongside Lady Cutler South Oval will be moved by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) as part of a project to restabilise the nearby riverbank, with works starting Monday 5 June.
During 2022 a series of flood events on the Macquarie-Wambuul River resulted in severe erosion on its eastern bank, downstream of the Tamworth Street pedestrian bridge.
An assessment of the erosion by Dubbo Regional Council's Soil Conservation Services recommended the section of pathway be moved east, between 20 and 30 metres from the top of the bank to prevent further damage and preserve full use of Lady Cutler South Oval.
Soil Conservation Services also recommended revegetation of the area with endemic riverine plant species to assist in stabilisation.
Councillors adopted the recommendation to carry out the works following a report to the April Ordinary Meeting of Council. Councillors committed to the construction of a new concrete path along the stretch, which will be 20 meters east of the original path and accompanied by a new area of vegetation which will run between the path and the river bank.
A section of the path has been closed, with walkers and cyclists advised to make their way around the section through the grassed area.
"The river is integral to the identity of the city of Dubbo, so we need projects like this to keep it in the best health we can as well as making sure we are still maintaining our commitment to local infrastructure," Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said.
"This proposal allows this section of the Tracker Riley Walkway and Cycle Path to maintain its 2.5 metre width while not impacting the use of Lady Cutler South Oval and allows us to shore up the river all at once, which means Dubbo residents will be able to enjoy use of the Oval and path while enjoying the beauty of our river for years to come."
The works to move the section of the Tracker Riley Walkway and Cycle Path is expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
