New wayfinding signs were installed along the Yarra River in Warburton, making the paths and trails surrounding the area more accessible for locals and visitors alike.
It took the Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management (UYRRCoM) two years of patient work to get the signs installed and secretary Robert Hay said they offered up to date information.
“We thought the new signs were needed because some of the information on the old signs was out of date,” Mr Hay said.
A total of nine new signs have been installed and they were announced on 26 November to the community.
The signs feature a detailed map with a modern look mounted on a metal plate with a rusted finish.
Mr Hay said the consistent design between signs and a polished look would hopefully instil pride in trail users.
“We think that they’re a bit more modern. I suppose it’s like the consistency of how things look along the reserve that are nice and shiny and clean. We hope that they inspire people to look after the river as well.”
He stressed that the signs were wayfinding signs and important information would be assigned to other signs once they get support.
“It’s important to make a distinction that these are wayfinding signs, so they’re essentially about showing people where the tracks go, where the bridges are, where you can cross over from one side to the other,” he said.
Though the signs received plenty of praise, some members of the community were quick to offer some constructive criticism.
A common theme in the criticisms was that no information surrounding accessibility and respectful river etiquette were suggested.
The URRCoM largely agreed with these criticisms and stated that it was actively looking to partner with Yarra Ranges Council on another set of signs for displaying other information.
“We actually talked about what the signs should have on them for quite a while… We debated for a long time about whether we have lots of do’s and don’ts about litter and dogs and lighting fires and all that sort of stuff.
“We deliberately did not put a lot of do’s and don’ts on there, but we also agreed that there is a need for those and we will be seeking to partner with the Yarra Ranges Council,” Mr Hay said.
The UYRRCoM worked alongside the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and DEECA paid for the signs in full.
Wesburn-based graphic design artist David Schembri created the maps while DEECA enlisted wayfinding signage design company Challis Design to complete the design of the signs themselves.
Mr Hay said it was good to collaborate with a local designer.
“David was very generous with his time. He didn’t always charge for the amount of time that he put in making alterations for us,” Mr Hay said.
The new signs can be found at various points along the river.
Six signs border the south side of the river, while three are located on the north side, and one new sign is situated at the beginning of the Back Stairs Track.
