The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting residents to have input into the development of a plan to help guide the future development and sustainable management of the O'Keefe Rail Trail which runs between Bendigo and Heathcote.
As part of the development of the O'Keefe Rail Trail Regional Sustainable Plan the City is inviting residents to complete a short online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/OKRT by November 30, 2020. Residents can also have input through a series of planned intercepts along the trail on November 14 and 15.
City of Greater Bendigo Strategy and Policy Coordinator Matt Kerlin said the O'Keefe Rail Trail is an important community asset that is well used by both local residents and visitors to the Greater Bendigo.
"The development of the plan will guide any future projects and works along the trail and help us understand what is important to the people who use the trail. It will also set out how the City will work with, and support community organisations who want to undertake projects and hold events along the trail," Mr Kerlin said.
"The plan will make suggestions about the overall vision for the trail, future projects along the trail. It will also guide how the City will assess potential projects and how we will work with and support community organisations, projects and events along the trail.
"It will also identify strategies to help increase usage of the trail by both local residents and visitors in the future.
"The survey and other engagement activities the City is undertaking will help inform the development of a draft plan which will be released for public review and comment early in the new year."
The O'Keefe Rail Trail follows the former Bendigo to Heathcote Rail Line which commences between Bendigo Creek in White Hills near Lake Weeroona, passes through Axedale and ends near the Pink Cliffs in Heathcote. The trail's mostly sandy gravel surface is suitable for walking, running, cycling and horse riding in certain sections.
