Kingston's Active Transport Success: Whitewater Creek Track Sees 50% Jump in Usage

New infrastructure connecting communities pays dividends as winter usage soars

Kingborough Council's strategic investment in active transport infrastructure is delivering impressive results, with the Whitewater Creek Track experiencing a remarkable 50% increase in daily usage despite the winter months.

The council's recent data reveals that average daily pedestrian traffic has jumped from 355 people in July 2024 to 530 in June 2025 - a significant increase that demonstrates the community's appetite for safe, connected pathways.

Game-Changing Infrastructure

The surge in numbers follows the completion of key infrastructure improvements, including the new Summerleas Road underpass and connecting paths that link Spring Farm to the sports precinct. These developments have safely connected more than 600 homes to Kingborough's expanding shared path network.

"Our community has one of the highest participation rates in recreational walking, so improving these urban active transport links has provided better options for moving about in Kingston off road," said Mayor Paula Wriedt.

The Spring Farm end of the track has seen an even more dramatic transformation, with a 60% increase in daily users. This section now provides crucial off-road access connecting the Kingborough Sports Precinct and Kingston High School with residential areas in Spring Farm and Whitewater Estates.

Community Ownership Takes Root

The infrastructure improvements aren't just about transport - they're fostering genuine community stewardship. The newly formed Whitewater Creek Landcare Group held its inaugural working bee on August 10, attracting 16 dedicated volunteers who spent two hours improving the creek environment.

Led by coordinator Jenny Forward and supported by Kingborough Council's Biodiversity Officer Jillian Jones and Algona Reserve Landcare Group coordinator Roland Painter, the volunteers tackled weeding, removed old plastic tree guards, and collected rubbish along both sides of the creek. The group focused on removing invasive species including forget-me-nots, hemlock and broom.

"Everyone appreciated how much the group could achieve when working together to improve the creek and its surroundings," Forward noted. The formation of this dedicated Landcare group adds ecological value to the path's community benefits.

A Community Embracing Active Living

The Whitewater Creek Track serves multiple purposes for the community, hosting everything from daily commuters to recreational walkers and the popular Kingston Park parkrun every Saturday morning. Since launching in September 2019, the parkrun has grown into a cornerstone community event, with 236 events completed and over 48,000 individual finishes recorded.

The weekly 5km event exemplifies the track's role in promoting active lifestyles, attracting participants who walk, jog, or run the course regardless of pace or ability. With an average finish time of 34 minutes and 47 seconds, the event welcomes everyone from serious athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts.

Kingston Park parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9:00am at Kingston Park, Goshawk Way. The free community event welcomes participants of all abilities. While not strictly required, remember to register at parkrun.com and bring your barcode to have your finish times recorded. Find out more at parkrun.com.au and the event's active Facebook page.

Looking Forward

The 50% increase in winter usage, combined with grassroots environmental initiatives like the new Landcare group, suggests the infrastructure improvements have fundamentally changed how residents engage with this green corridor through Kingston. As warmer weather approaches, these numbers are likely to climb even higher, validating the council's investment in active transport options.

For a community already known for high participation in recreational walking, the Whitewater Creek Track enhancements represent more than infrastructure - they're about creating healthier, more connected neighbourhoods where people can safely choose active transport while actively caring for their local environment.

The success of these improvements sends a clear message: when councils provide safe, well-connected active transport infrastructure, communities respond enthusiastically with both increased usage and environmental stewardship, regardless of the season.