Case Studies
Kettering Walking Plan

Design Feature

Type of project
Local Government Initiative
State
Tasmania
Location
Regional
Thirty-four kilometres south of Hobart is the D’Entrecasteaux Channel township of Kettering. Kettering attracts tourists and active visitors ranging from the local to interstate and international as it is the gateway to Bruny Island – the most visited area in southern Tasmania. Safe walking routes were required to provide community and visitors opportunity to access public services and enjoy Kettering.
Facilitating a connected community
In rural locations it is often difficult for the community to feel connected if forced to use the car for local trips and for recreation. Kettering was poorly serviced by a lack of footpaths making it difficult for locals to walk to services and facilities.  In 2010, Kingborough Council in consultation with the community completed the Kettering Recreation Walkway Plan and prepared an Integrated Transport Study. The plans provided direction for Council to develop the trails and footpaths that are now highly used by the community. 
The Plan stimulated: 
  • Construction of footpaths on Channel Highway and Ferry Road 
  • Improvements to the Kettering Oval 
  • Construction of the Trial Bay walking track 
  • Construction of a bridge over Oxleys Creek from the Hall precinct to the Marina 
  • The provision of seating and landscaping to define the linear township.  

Project team
  • Kingborough Council 
  • Kettering Community Association 
  • Kettering Cricket Club 
  • Kettering Hall Committee 

Project Cost
Unavailable 
Health Value
  • Kettering Walking Plan offers health value through the development of much needed footpaths, seating and landscaping that have transformed Kettering into a safe, walkable and connected place.
  • The improved facilities for walking have enhanced community physical activity and interaction through the expanded active walking group, Heart Foundation Kettering Walkers.
  • The improved walkability has expanded the opportunity for new settlers arriving in Kettering to participate and meet the locals through walking and engaging in local activities.

Economic value
  • Kettering Walking Plan offers economic value through the enhanced walkability encouraging private economic development along some of the highly used routes, including the re-use of the service station into a café and chocolate making venture, a new restaurant on Ferry Road and private investment along the foreshore associated with the Marina.

Environmental Value
  • Kettering Walking Plan offers environmental value through the provision of all-weather walking surfaces and the planting of street trees to beautify Channel Highway.
  • The works have enhanced walkability, reduced the dependence on private cars to access local services and improved access to public transport.

Social value
  • Kettering Walking Plan offers social value through expanded social capital, resilience and empowerment of the Kettering community.
  • The Kettering Walkers have expanded their horizons by organising walking holidays to other destinations in Tasmania which has inspired many residents to join.
  • The Kettering community have activated the hall and associated facilities for events throughout the year. The hall acts as the town heart with activities that include Landcare, walking, concerts, a free street library and sporting competitions.
  • The community has invited State politicians to visit the area and support funding for Kettering projects.
  • Investment in the public realm by Council and State Government has encouraged private investment which has had a positive outcome for services and local employment opportunities.
  • The Marina has upgraded its waterfront walk and partnered with Council to construct the Oxleys creek crossing linking the Channel Highway footpath with a now much improved foreshore trail. Walkers are invited onto the Marina private property and can access the waterfront where occasional seating is provided. This reflects a positive outcome of public and private shared vision for positive community benefits.

Use value
  • Kettering Walking Plan offers use value through extensive street tree plantings that have assisted in the definition of place and amenity for walkers as well as beautification.
  • Residents and visitors have greater choices to wander around Kettering, experience local services and appreciate the scenic vistas and treasures.

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