Visitors to Smiths Creek Reserve can now enjoy upgraded walking trails and new wayfinding signage to help them explore the bushland oasis in the heart of Campbelltown.
The $514,055 project delivered upgraded trails across the wildlife reserve along with new wayfinding signage and mitigation measures at entrance points across the reserve to reduce illegal trail bike use.
"Smiths Creek Reserve is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals right in the heart of our urban centre so it's a great place for people to visit and enjoy our natural environment," Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound said.
"These upgrades have ensured fire trails are more accessible for emergency services, while creating better environmental outcomes with improved drainage throughout and reducing access for illegal trail bike riders at key points," Cr Lound said.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said this project is a great example of what can be achieved when community and government work together.
"Together with council we've delivered upgrades that improve access for walkers, strengthen environmental protections and help emergency services navigate the reserve safely," Mr Scully said.
"Alongside the trail upgrades the project has also delivered new public art created by First Nations artists, local preschoolers and First Nations youth, to celebrates the cultural and ecological history of Smiths Creek Reserves unique landscape."
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said this project was possible thanks to a $245,375 investment form NSW Government and $268,680 investment from the council.
"This is a great outcome for our community which protects the natural environment while offering a place for locals and visitors to connect with nature," Mr Warren said.
"Investing in quality green spaces like Smiths Creek Reserve is vital to support Campbelltown's growing community."
The Smiths Creek Reserve project is providing better access to quality open spaces to over 5,000 homes in Leumeah, Campbelltown and surrounding suburbs.
The completed upgrades include:
- Trail improvements: Upgrades to walking and fire trails including improvements to pathways, drainage and access as well as a new 580 metre green link trail linking the Leumeah Station Precinct to Smiths Creek Reserve and beyond
- New wayfinding signage: New signage at major entry points as well as trail markers to improve wayfinding.
- Vehicle mitigation: Installation of new gates and vehicle mitigation measures such as fencing and barriers at key points across the reserve. This aims to increase community safety and reduce environmental impacts of illegal trail bike use.
- Public art: A series of artworks have enhanced 4 abandoned concrete pipes near the Corunna Avenue entrance. The artworks showcase threatened wildlife like the Koala and Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, and plants like the critically endangered Shale-Sandstone Transition Forest at Smiths Creek Reserve on Dharawal Country. First Nations artists Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs from MadWings Murals led the art project with help from Leaping Learners Early Education Centre students and educators, as well as students from The Clontarf Foundation and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy.
The project was funded by the NSW Government Open Spaces Places to Roam program in conjunction with Campbelltown City Council.
