Glass Creek Trail (Jacka Trail)

Briefing note, 14 March 2022

The Glass Creek / Jacka Trail is a proposed shared path that starts near Jacka St in North Balwyn and connects with Stradbroke Park on the west side of Burke Rd in Kew. It follows the path of Glass Creek named after Hugh Glass – a 19th century pastoralist.

The Jacka Trail will be about 2.8 km long and provide linkages and access to:

• Four local recreational centres (green circles)
• Four schools (blue circles): Balwyn North Primary, Greythorn Primary, Balwyn High & Kew High

The trail will be used by local pedestrians and bike riders of all ages to access open spaces, enjoy local parks and recreational reserves and for students to ride or walk to local schools safely. A firm gravel surface will be appropriate for the trail.

The trail will not be used by commuter cyclists as it doesn’t provide direct connections to common destinations.

Boroondara Council has declared a climate emergency. Pedestrian and bike trips are sustainable transport options that will reduce traffic congestion, particularly near schools.

Further information

Community support. “PETITION FOR A SHARED PATH — MYRTLE, MACLEAY AND HISLOP PARKS AND GORDON BARNARD RESERVE

Date: 31 October 2013, Petition Organiser: Lou Will, Address: 113 Winmalee Rd, Balwyn.  The petitioners were local residents wanting a safe trail for local children to ride or walk to school.

City of Boroondara’s 10 Year Bicycle Strategy (2008) included provision for a shared path between Myrtle, Macleay and Hislop Parks and Gordon Barnard Reserve (Table 4, Item 11).

A safe path is needed. There is currently no continuous safe path in this area. Alternative routes suggested along back streets are hilly, indirect and have car traffic and parked cars.

Balwyn Road crossing.  Boroondara Council has finalised agreement with Vicroads for a pedestrian crossing on Balwyn Road between Gordon Barnard reserve and Hislop reserve and funds are allocated for this.

Sustainable transport. Boroondara Council has declared a climate emergency. Pedestrian and bike trips are sustainable transport options that will reduce traffic congestion, particularly near schools.

Transport to schools. A safe cycling route will allow students to ride to their school. This will reduce serious traffic congestion resulting from parents who currently drive their children to school and pick them up.

Success of Darebin Bridge. The Darebin Bridge linking the Main Yarra Trail with the Darebin Creek Trail has proved to be very popular with pedestrians, dog walkers and recreational bike riders. The link has also provided people with better access to the Kew Billabong, Willsmere Park and the Napier Waller Reserve.

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