Works have officially commenced on Stage 2 of the Diamond Creek Trail extension.
The works, launched at a ground breaking ceremony today by the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio, will run from Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge.
Stage 2 of the trail will link up with the soon-to-be-completed Stage 1, which runs from Diamond Creek to Wattle Glen.
The works are primarily funded by the Victorian Government, with Stage 2 being funded through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's (DELWP) Suburban Parks Program ($5.1 million). Stage 1 works were funded through VicRoads' Towards Zero initiative ($4 million).
Nillumbik Shire Council contributed approximately $5 million to the project for the acquisition of 14.4 hectares of land on which the trail could be constructed.
Upon completion, the shared trail will consist of a concrete-paved path for pedestrians and cyclists with a separate but parallel natural-surface trail for horse riders.
Mayor Peter Perkins said the project was of great significance to the Nillumbik community.
"That the Diamond Creek Trail project is now well on the way to completion is a great result for our community and a credit to the efforts of others on their behalf – including the Victorian Government, Danielle Green MP the Member for Yan Yean, and Vicki Ward MP, the Member for Eltham," said Cr Perkins.
"Our community, in particular the efforts of our Regional Trails Advisory Group and Trailblazers Inc. are also to be commended. Their tireless advocacy and passion for this project has been integral to bringing us to where we are today.
"The trail is an important community asset, providing a fantastic outlet for physical activity and a safe transport connection between the urban parts of the Shire and our rural townships. Also critical, is that it will attract more visitors to our Shire, boosting our local tourism industry and other businesses."
Bunjil Ward Councillor Karen Egan said the commencement of Stage 2 works was a major development for not only the townships, but the Shire's rural community.
"I'm very pleased that work is starting on the final stage of an infrastructure project that is of such critical importance to many sectors of our community, being a shared trail open to all," said Cr Egan.
Stage 2 of the trail - will run for 3km from Wilson Rd in Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge while Stage 1 runs from Luscombe Drive in Diamond Creek to Wattle Glen, at a distance of 2.5km.
Once completed, the trail will run continuously for 55km, from Hurstbridge to the Melbourne CBD.
