HomeNewsHurstbridge extension for rail trail

Hurstbridge extension for rail trail

ELTHAM

Nillumbik Shire adopted a plan to extend the Diamond Creek trail extension to Hurstbridge.

At last night’s council meeting the shire adopted amendment C 108 to Nillumbik’s planning scheme. Private land will be acquired for the extension.

“The project has overwhelming community support and will increase tourism [and] bring added income for local businesses and create local jobs,” Mayor Peter Clarke said.

“We have always said that trails are expensive and we will build what we can when we can.”

“The trail is vital to council’s long-term commitment for a shared walking, running, cycling and horse riding to connect Diamond Creek to Hurstbridge.”

Victorian Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, will consider the proposal with the next stage being a detailed design of the proposed trail.

Helen Legg, President of Trailblazers and Nillumbik shire resident said “The group is elated that the long-awaited extension of the trail’s planning milestone had been achieved.”

“This incredible piece of community infrastructure will provide opportunities for people to come together and recreate safely, away from busy roads.”

Nillumbik Shire has held private discussions with 12 affected land owners and will liaise directly with each land holder.

The shire applied for $2.5 million in funding through the State Government’s ‘Growing Suburbs’ fund. Council allocated $1.25 million in its 2017-18 budget to deliver stage one from Diamond Creek to Wattle Glen.

350,000 people are expected to use the trail when completed.

Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.

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