Sculptor and poet John Butler’s dream of a walking track marked by stone cairns with verses of his poem ‘The River’ is taking another step forward. Construction of the “Poet’s Walk” walking path at Swifts Creek started earlier this month. 

The new walking path will create a safe, accessible connecting walking path along the Swifts Creek and Tambo River Reserve frontage. 

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said the construction of the walking path will complement the work undertaken by the Poet’s Walk Working Group and Swifts Creek Ensay Landcare Group. 

“The new concrete footpath construction along McMillian Street will link with the Poet’s Walk loop, set for major improvements as part of the project, and the Tambo River Bridge. Interpretative signage along the walk, seating and flood markers, will also be installed,” Cr Urie said. 

“John Butler was inspired by the creek and its majestic old manna gums and grey boxes that provide important habitat for local wildlife. 

“Poet’s Walk is a valued part of the local community and many individuals and groups have made this project come tolife including the Poet’s Walk Working Group, Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWC)Swifts Creek Ensay Landcare Group, DELWP, Great Alpine Gallery, East Gippsland CMA, Swifts Creek Men’s Shed, Swifts Creek Bush Nurse and Council.” 

Council has funded the project with $147,000 from the Capital Works 2020/21 Budget. The walking path is expected to be finished in six weeks by local contractor Cranes Asphalting and Bitumen Sealing.

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