Seeing the light on pathway struggle

Above: Joe Khoury looks across from one end of Buckeye Drive to the other. He is pleased the two ends will soon be connected by a bike and walking path.Left: The Buckeye Drive park on Hinrichsen Drive in Narre Warren has been a boon for Joe Khoury, his da

By Cam Scott
NARRE WARREN small business owner Joe Khoury can see the light after a fiveyear struggle to create a better sense of community near his shop.
Mr Khoury has been fighting for a path linking Buckeye Drive between Hinrichsen Drive and Springfield Drive in Narre Warren since 2001.
At present, Buckeye Drive is a dead end either side of the Troups Creek West Branch which Mr Khoury said had caused people from the two estates on either side of the creek to lose touch with each other.
It has also hindered the growth of his business, Joe’s Mini Mart, which he has since passed on to his daughter Sue and her husband Ziad to operate.
In recent months though, Mr Khoury and his family have seen a family playground and a basketball halfcourt installed at the parkland opposite his shop on Buckeye and Hinrichsen Drives, and he says things are also happening on the Buckeye Drive extension.
While it will not be a road, Mr Khoury says a connecting bike and walking path will link the two Narre Warren estates on Hinrichsen and Springfield Drives, allowing people to have a greater sense of community.
He said that especially now there is a park and family area at one end, the final component of installing a connecting path would boost one part of Casey that has not been in a position to develop much community spirit.
“As I understand, this is happening anytime soon. I’m happy it’s developing and everything is taking place,” Mr Khoury said.
“Already a few people are using the facilities in the park and I’m happy at seeing that happen. It’s wonderful to see the families with their kids coming in and using the facilities.
“I am fighting for my business to survive, but at the same time I’m fighting for an area that has been deprived of so many things.
“I think it’s important to let people in both estates know that something is finally happening and we’re here and people can soon access their local shops and facilities if they need to.”