Final Report
Multi-use Recreational
Pathway Concept
11.1. Description
◦ Hunts Creek runs from Darling Mills Creek near Windsor Road to
William Place at the northeastern perimeter of Lake Parramatta
Reserve (Parramatta / Baulkham Hills Council boundary) and then to
Jenkins Road
◦ There are four significant tributaries, including:
∙ Seville Reserve tributary, which runs from the main creek just east of Lake
Parramatta Reserve to Seville Reserve
∙ Northam Drive tributary, which runs from the main creek to Northam Drive near Sandler Avenue
∙ Masons Drive tributary, which runs from Lake Parramatta to the eastern boundary of the Reserve (Parramatta / Baulkham Hills Council boundary) and then to Masons Drive
∙ The Kings School tributary, which runs from the main creek near Camelot
Circuit to The Kings School
◦ There is a proposed pathway by Bike North from Statham Avenue to
Jenkins Road and along the first two tributaries.
◦ Further field investigations required are required to identify the potential for pathways along the latter two tributaries. This area has significant constraints for the construction of multi-use pathways, due to the Threatened Plant Communities present.
◦ There are some existing walking tracks in the upper reaches of the creek corridor.
11.2. Network Significance
Although the route along Hunts Creek does not form part of the spine network, it is of regional significance as it provides good access into the residential areas of North Rocks and southwestern Carlingford. It also provides good access to The Kings School.
Lake Parramatta is an important regional reserve that is in close proximity to the Parramatta CBD and the North Parramatta business zone. As such any pathways in the area have high usage potential and will be regional significance.
11.3. Environment Management
The proposed multi-use pathway will pass though two (3) vegetation communities in this corridor – Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest, Sydney
Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland and Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. The latter is listed as an ‘endangered ecological community’ under the TSC Act 1995.
While it appears that there are few Iron Bark trees left in the reserve, significant numbers are present on the Kings School grounds.
Lake Parramatta
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Final Report
Multi-use Recreational
Pathway Concept
Sections of Hunts Creek are badly degraded and urgently in need of bushland regeneration work. A wide variety of woody weeds including
Ligustrum spp. – Privet, Cestrum parqui – Green Cestrum and Lantana camara, and herbaceous weeds such as Tradescantia fluminensis –
Wandering Jew - dominate large areas of the vegetation, particularly where it is impacted by urban runoff. The existing foot track traverses floaters and sandstone outcrops and is difficult to access in places. It is also interrupted by large tree roots and overgrown in part.
If a pathway is constructed along the corridor (particularly between Lake
Parramatta and Northham Drive), the existing track will have to be extensively regraded and areas of vegetation cleared back from the track to permit access.
From the Junction of Lake Parramatta and Hunts Creek to Parkland Road there are scattered patches of very dense weed growth, particularly in the understorey. Overall, the downhill side of the track is very weedy and where the Creek is within 6 or 7 metres of the footpath, extensive weed control and bush regeneration work will be required. This work should extend right down to the adjacent creek bank. Generally the upslope side of the proposed pathway is in better condition, and it is recommended that at least three (3) metres in width upslope from the path be cleared and rehabilitated.
11.4. Land Tenure
Negotiations may be required for access to land at the following locations:
◦ Kings School
11.5. Other Issues
No other issues were identified.
11.6. Pathway Opportunities
Lake Parramatta, Illawong Drive
Hunts Creek
◦ There appears to be little value in developing a pathway from Darling
Mills Creek to the Reserve, given the desire not to have cyclists in this area of the reserve.
◦ Instead, it may be possible to develop a pathway Illawong Drive, which could extend from Lackey Street, through Lake Parramatta
Reserve to McRoberts Road. It links to the Sydney Water Service track, which incorporates an historic sandstone and cobblestone road, ending less than 150m from North Rocks Road. This historic road could easily link to the track from Tallwood Avenue through to the
Kings School, subject to land tenure issues.
◦ There appear to be some walking tracks through the reserve on
Camelot Circuit, based on observations from Statham Avenue.
Vegetation is generally dense and there may be environmentally significant areas. It may be possible to develop a route either along the creek (with consent of the School) directly to Lake Parramatta
Reserve or else along the property boundary to Seville Reserve.
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Hunts Creek, Wildlife Sanctuary
Final Report
Multi-use Recreational
Pathway Concept
◦ East of Statham Avenue, there appears to be a series of continuous walking tracks leading to Lindisfarne Crescent. Vegetation is generally dense and there may be environmentally significant areas.
There is a Wildlife Sanctuary immediately west of Statham Avenue.
Based on feedback provided by Bike North to Council, it appears to be feasible to develop a multi-use pathway through this area, using environmentally responsible construction techniques and materials.
Some creek crossings are likely to be required. High quality road crossings would be required.
◦ From Lindisfarne Crescent to Jenkins Road, there are wide grassed areas, which appear to be suitable for the construction of a multi-use pathway.
Hunts Creek, Lindisfarne Crescent
Seville Reserve
Seville Reserve tributary
◦ Based on observations taken from Tallwood Drive, Cambridge
Avenue, Plymouth Avenue and Meckiff Avenue, there are several walking tracks through the reserve. Feedback from Bike North to
Council indicates that these tracks provide opportunities to link in with tracks through Lake Parramatta Reserve, possibly using lands owned by The Kings School.
Northam Drive tributary
◦ Based on limited field investigations and feedback from Bike North to
Council, there appear to be opportunities for pathways along this tributary. There are existing concrete paths that link adjacent streets at McDonald Street and Ponsettia Avenue.
Northam Drive Tributary, near
Sandler Avenue
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