Chapter Four |
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W4-A9 - Tamaroo |
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| Sub-section |
| Start and finish |
Heathcote Road to Mirang Road Junction |
| Distance |
2.6km |
| Grade |
3 |
Time |
1.5hr (walking) 0.5hr (cycling) |
| Main features |
- Heathcote Creek
- Scouters Mountain view
- Goburra Pool
- Mirang Pool
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| Description |
Attractive meandering route following contour above Heathcote Creek. Sweeping views of rugged Tamaroo Ridge and Scouters Mountain. Sealed surface (tarmac in places) of mainly decomposed granite. |
| Facilities |
- Camping Ground Close to Heathcote Settlement (see W6??)
- Picnic table at Mirang Rd junction.
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| Opportunities and constraints |
- Key point of non-motorised access to Heathcote NP
- Dangerous Road Crossing - 100km/hr traffic, poor visibility
- Interpretation of Journey of Drinking Water
- Biodiversity and Cultural Education Opportunities
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| Actions Required |
- SSC/RTA/NPWS/NPA Plan, design and construct pedestrian bridge over Heathcote Rd
- Formalise agreement with Sydney Water and NPWS
- Amend Heathcote NP POM to include GKW
- Information and Safety Sign to complement NP entry sign (sign type 2)
- 3 marker posts (sign type 4)
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| Current Status/Zoning |
- Heathcote National Park - Sydney Water Easement
- Access for walkers and cyclists
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| Priority |
B |
| Estimated cost |
$300k |
| Stakeholders Community |
NPA, Heathcote Settlement, J. Harold Kaye Scout Centre, Heathcote Progress Association, Sutherland Shire Bush Walking Club |
| Agency/Land Manager |
NPWS, Sydney Water, NPA, SSC, DIPNR, SSCMB |
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Rationale:
For this section of the route to be viable a safe link across Heathcote Road is vital (see photo).Four factors contribute to the present hazardous crossing situation:
- speed of vehicles - speed limit is 90 km/h
- speed is exacerbated by the steep downslope on the Heathcote National Park side of the road
- heavy volume of heavy traffic
- crossing point is on a bend in the road, limiting the time to see approaching vehicles and for them to see pedestrians
The preferred option is to construct a purpose built pedestrian bridge across the carriageway. Because of the nature of the terrain a long flight of steps is necessary on the Heathcote National Park side. This will inconvenience but should not deter cyclists from using the bridge.
The Pipeline Track in the National Park is open to public use for both walkers and cyclists, and is generally a good quality surface, either bitumen or decomposed granite. Long term maintenance of the track corridor is carried out by National Parks, with Sydney Water responsible for the repair of specific structures such as bridges. There are good views of the National Park and the pools in Heathcote Creek. The wild, rugged nature of the park can be appreciated as well as marveling at some of the engineering feats accomplished to provide Woronora Dam Pipeline. |
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• The Glen 
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre | Suite 4 (1st Floor), 2-4 Merton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232