Fin Hansen, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
A shared path for cycling, walking and running on the Copper Coast has been fully connected.
The final stages of Copper Coast Council’s $1.6 million project were completed when the final section from Cornish Terrace to Magazine Road, Wallaroo, was sealed recently.
The region’s trail network spans about 25 kilometres and links the Kadina to Wallaroo Copper Rail Trail with the Wallaroo to Moonta Shared Path, which finishes/starts at the Moonta Tourist Office on Blanche Terrace.
Council director infrastructure services Tim Neumann encouraged people to map their own tracks with the help of four shelters and additional marker posts donated and installed by the Rotary Club of Northern Yorke Peninsula.
“The whole path network is fully open to use,” Mr Neumann said.
“We may look at installing some interpretive signage in the Moonta Mines area and possibly seal the section from Mines Road (Moonta) to the Moonta heritage area further down the track.”
Mayor Roslyn Talbot said the path network offered people the opportunity to safely cycle, walk and run across the towns.
“Tourists often want to be active when they visit the Copper Coast and the paths make it easier to do so,” Mrs Talbot said.
“We’re also lucky to have bike hire facilities for people to use if they want.
“We’re fortunate to have had old railway lines which helped guide us — it would be nice to complete the full triangle (from Kadina to Moonta) one day.
“Council thanks NYP Rotary for its generous donations and I look forward to seeing more people using the paths.”
Accessible footpaths finalised for Moonta
Queen Square, Moonta, has been opened up to the public with the help of new accessible paths.
A network of exposed concrete paths was recently laid by Copper Coast Council’s contractors to link the square’s rotunda, toilet facilities and other park areas.
The council project was funded by a $91,000 grant received through the state government’s Open Spaces and Places for People program.
Director infrastructure services Tim Neumann said heritage cobblestone pavers were used to border the paths and give them contrast.
“Council has new bin receptacles and seating facilities on order which, once installed, will finalise the upgrade,” Mr Neumann said.
“We’re also looking at installing a potential permanent shade structure on the corner of Henry and George Streets.”
Mayor Roslyn Talbot said the paths made the square far more accessible.
“An electrical upgrade to the square will also make it easier to hold markets and food events which can work around the paths,” Mrs Talbot said.
“The path improvement will link the square to the rest of the Moonta CBD and help shape future upgrades in the town.”
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 2 May 2023
