East Gippsland Shire Council joined Lindenow South community members on Thursday, March 7 to celebrate the completion of a footpaths project.
The footpath, next to the busy Lindenow-Glenaladale Road, links the town's primary school and recreation reserve.
The project, totalling just over $1 million, includes approximately 650 metres of concrete footpath and elevated boardwalk, as well as the replacement and relocation of bus shelters to accommodate a bus holding lane.
The celebration, held at Lindenow South Primary School, brought together residents, students, dignitaries, and community groups to commemorate the project's achievements and unveil Lindenow South Primary School's new indigenous logo and colours.
The day included speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, photo opportunities, and a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. The event concluded with a walk along the paths.
Mayor Cr Tom Crook said the Lindenow South footpaths project aligns with Council's Access and Mobility Plan 2012.
"This new footpath does more than just link the school and sports ground, it will foster community spirit and promote healthy, active lifestyles for Lindenow South's youth for decades to come," Cr Crook said.
The Hon. Kirsty McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories said, "It's fantastic to see the completion of the Lindenow South footpath and boardwalk, which provides an important link from the primary school to the recreation reserve.
"Coming from a regional town myself, I understand how projects like these can really foster a sense of community and encourage locals to get active," Minister McBain said.
Mick Harrington, President of the Lindenow South Football and Netball Club added, "This project means that aspiring young athletes and our wider community no longer have to navigate hazardous traffic to pursue their sporting passions. Aside from the safety improvements, we're also ensuring access to sport for all within our little town - a massive win for both the physical and mental health of our local community."
In addition to the footpath and boardwalk, the bus shelters have been replaced and relocated, while bus parking bays have been upgraded to meet current standards. These enhancements aim to provide significant improvements for pedestrian and mobility users along Lindenow-Glenaladale Road and Fernbank-Lindenow South Road.
During the celebration event a Lindenow South Primary School grade three student shared what the new development means to him and his peers.
"Before the footpath was built, getting to school could be a bit tricky. I remember feeling a little worried about cars zooming by and having to walk on the edge of the road. Now, with the new footpath, I can walk to school with my friends, chatting and laughing without worrying about cars. So, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who made this footpath possible. It's not just a path; it's a way for us to get to school safely and start our day on the right foot."
Council received funding from both the Federal Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the Arts through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Phase 3, providing $666,962. Council funded $398,074 for a project total of $1,065,000 (ex GST).
"This is just one of many high-impact projects the Australian Government is partnering with East Gippsland Shire Council on - as part of over $16 million in LRCI funding," Ms McBain concluded.
From left: Lindenow South Primary School Principal Bronwyn Joyce with East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook at the opening of the Lindenow South Footpaths.
