Elderly residents at a Geelong retirement village are fighting what they call a dangerous path closure that has left them navigating hazardous road crossings and fearing for their safety. The controversial decision to block access to a crucial pedestrian pathway has transformed their peaceful community into what they describe as an accident waiting to happen.
Community Outcry Over Safety Crisis
The conflict centers around Halcyon Horizon retirement village in Armstrong Creek, where approximately 700 residents have lost direct access to a vital pedestrian path connecting them to nearby shopping centers and community facilities. The pathway closure now forces elderly residents, many with mobility issues, to cross multiple lanes of busy traffic on Central Avenue instead of using the safe, dedicated walkway they previously enjoyed.
Resident Lynette Barden expressed the community's frustration, stating the situation has created unnecessary dangers for vulnerable seniors. "We moved here thinking it would be safe and accessible," she explained. "Now we're being treated as an afterthought while new developments spring up around us."
Council Response and Developer Actions
The City of Greater Geelong council approved the pathway's closure in 2022 as part of broader development plans for the area. According to council documents, the decision was made to accommodate future infrastructure needs, but residents argue proper consideration wasn't given to the immediate safety implications for the retirement community.
Local developer Eastgrove, responsible for the adjacent Armstrong Green estate, installed the fencing that blocks the path access. While the developer has proposed an alternative route, residents say it fails to address the core safety issues and creates longer, more difficult journeys for those with limited mobility.
The council has acknowledged receiving multiple complaints from concerned residents and says it's reviewing the situation. A council spokesperson stated they're "working with all parties to find a suitable resolution," but provided no timeline for when a solution might be implemented.
Real Consequences for Vulnerable Residents
The path closure has created tangible difficulties for Halcyon Horizon's elderly population. Residents who previously enjoyed short, safe walks to nearby amenities now face:
- Dangerous road crossings with inadequate pedestrian facilities
- Significantly longer walking distances affecting those with mobility aids
- Reduced independence and increased isolation for non-driving residents
- Genuine fear of accidents involving slower-moving elderly pedestrians
"This isn't just an inconvenience—it's a genuine safety crisis for our community," said another resident who wished to remain anonymous. "We've seen near-misses already, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt."
The residents have organized petitions and multiple appeals to local councilors, demanding immediate action to restore safe pedestrian access. They argue that retirement communities should receive priority consideration in urban planning decisions, not be marginalized when new developments occur.
As Armstrong Creek continues to grow rapidly with new housing estates, the situation at Halcyon Horizon highlights the broader challenges of ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development while protecting vulnerable community members. The outcome of this dispute could set important precedents for how aging populations are accommodated in Geelong's expanding suburban landscape.
