Nat’s Track upgrades help connect communities safely
Published on 10 February 2021
Nat’s Track, named in honour of late Frankston student, Natalie Russell as part of a joint initiative between local secondary schools, Council and community groups will receive a further $87,000 in upgrades thanks to Frankston City Council.
At its Council Meeting on 27 January, Council unanimously endorsed the additional works, following consultation and overwhelming community support. Approved additional works include the installation of multiple solar lights, landscape beautification and public art at both the south and north entry points, and the installation of a memorial artwork in memory of Natalie in consultation with her family.
Natalie’s parents, Brian and Carmel, said it bought them joy to know that the memory of Natalie would not be forgotten and that Council had acknowledged and was paying tribute to their much-loved daughter.
“We are pleased and honoured about the works – it’s what we have wanted and they will improve safety,” Brian Russell said.
Mr Russell added that the family were looking forward to being involved in the creation of the memorial artwork.
Natalie Russell was murdered in 1993 on her way home from school and Nat’s Track was subsequently named in her honour in 1999.
Council has previously invested significant funds to improve safety and amenity along the popular student thoroughfare, which joins Skye Rd in Karingal to Monterey Secondary College in Frankston North.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said investment to date included $80,000 for the installation of CCTV at the Skye Rd end of the track, with footage streamed live to the Frankston Police Station.
“Council has also invested $25,000 on the installation of warning signage and access gates to deter monkey bike activity, and the construction of decorative planter boxes as part of a Monterey Secondary College VCAL program.
“Council gifted the college an array of indigenous plants to undertake the project, which were cultivated by volunteers using locally sourced seeds,” said the Mayor.
Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club also replaced 100 metres of fencing along the track with the support of a $10,000 Council grant, which will be used to display artistic panels designed by John Paul College students in the future. The track was also recently repaved to improve wheelchair and bicycle accessibility.
Councillor Sue Baker said she was extremely proud of her fellow Councillors for recognising the importance of this project, not only as a tribute to Natalie, but for the wider community benefits it brings.
“The new sustainable lighting and beautification of the area will complete the track’s upgrades and drastically help to further improve the safety of students and residents.
“Many community members have called for improvements to the track, none more so than the late Kate Malone, who vehemently advocated for funding during her time as administrator of the Frankston Community Noticeboard Facebook page,” Cr Baker said.
“The memory of what happened to Natalie and other victims will forever live on in the hearts and minds of our community, so it is essential that it is well maintained and remains a fitting tribute,” said Cr Baker.
Cr Baker added that Nat’s Track also provided an important connection between Frankston North and Karingal, and enhanced the health and wellbeing of residents.
“We know how vitally important staying healthy is and the recent lockdowns were a stark reminder of the benefits walking and being outdoors has for our mental health. Improving walking tracks such as this provides free and safe options for everyone to be active and stay healthy,” said Cr Baker.
State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke said, “The upgrades to Nat’s Track complement the State Government’s $32 million investment into the Frankston North Education Project, which is improving the educational facilities and outcomes in our community.
“The safety of our community is our number one priority and it is great to work with Council and show how different levels of government working together can achieve great things in our community,” Mr Edbrooke said.
John Paul College Principal, John Visentin, said the school community is proud to be a partner in the project with Frankston City Council and other schools and organisations to ensure that Nat’s Track is safe for the use of students and the wider public.
“Our students acknowledge the College’s special link and responsibility for this track given the connection to former John Paul College student, Natalie Russell, and they look forward to lending their skills and time to bring this project to its completion.”
Monterey Secondary College Acting Principal, Peter Langham, said, “Our school community welcomes the upgrades to this well used track named in Natalie Russell’s honour and our students are excited to contribute to the beautification and upkeep of Nat’s Track.”
Council officers have also been conducting increased litter and safety patrols of the track over the past six months.
For updates on the project subscribe to Council’s free fortnightly eNews by visiting: frankston.vic.gov.au/subscribe