By Laura Michell
Close to 3600 used car tyres have been transformed into a South Morang footpath.
In a first for Whittlesea, the tyres have been turned into a cycling and walking path between Williamsons Road and the Mernda rail line as part of the Yan Yean Pipe Track.
The path is soft under foot, but firm enough for walking and cycling.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said the path had been constructed in an innovative and sustainable way.
Water is able to drain through the rubber path and if tree roots start to grow through the path, the surface will flex rather than crack like concrete.
Cr Cox said the path was a great and fitting addition to the municipality as the region housed two of the biggest car tyre plants in the country – Dunlop at Somerton and Goodyear at Thomastown
“We are always looking for ways to improve the way we do things,” he said.
“This technology is great for the environment in so many way. The tyres have been saved from landfill and the rubber allows the path to move with trees as they grow.
“This is a great way to recycle product many of our residents would have been involved in making in the first place.”
The path is one of many the council will be installing in the next few months.
