LOXTON residents will soon be able to enjoy a safer, smoother route for their daily walks, thanks to a community infrastructure grant.
While a crusher dust path exists through scrub land near Grant Schubert Drive, District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton said the new path would be closer to the river front and existing road.
Mr Beaton said people currently walk on Grant Schubert Drive for fear of snakes in summer, posing a safety issue.
“It saves people from having to walk on the roads,” he said. “It will allow for a good, safe walking route.”
The new route will see a sealed path from Snake Island to Bookpurnong Terrace via Schubert and Sophie Edington drives.
“When we get to Sophie Edington Drive, we will create something that goes up the hill because it’s pretty steep,” Mr Beaton said.
The entire loop will be approximately 6km, but Mr Beaton said the route allows “plenty of exits” for people to return to the Loxton township for shorter distances.
Mr Beaton said the path would also allow greater access for residents and visitors.
“It will be suitable for walkers, riders and gophers,” he said.
New stairs are being constructed near the town wharf, enabling access between the existing river-front path and the bottom of William Street.
DCLW received $859,096 in this year’s Federal Budget as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant, with $150,000 allocated to the sealed path.
A single unisex disabled toilet will also be added to the route at Heritage Park, with the project expected to be completed this financial year.