Visitors of all abilities can now enjoy the sweeping landscapes of the Moorabool Valley, with a new accessible trail and sculpture garden now complete in Bacchus Marsh, backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today announced the completion of the new trail at Telford Park that connects the 1000+ Steps trail to the popular Bald Hill Summit lookout.
This project is the second stage in the Bald Hill Activation Plan and features upgraded shelters, tables, bathrooms and works to ensure the trail is now wheelchair accessible. The new additions to the park complement the first stage of the project, which included development of the 1000+ Steps trail, rest stops, a lookout, and road crossings.
The new sculpture garden at the top of the trail includes the new work Binak Biik created by the artistic team of Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy depicting four bronze cast woven baskets, basalt rocks and endangered plant species to acknowledge Wurundjeri women as the weavers and connectors within community.
The project created 11 jobs during construction.
The next stage of the Bald Hill Activation Plan includes additional carparking and installing the remaining sculpture artworks along the accessible trail at Telford Park, ensuring more locals and visitors can enjoy the new destination park and explore everything the Moorabool Shire has to offer.
Once complete, the destination park and trail will drive new jobs and investment to the region and is expected to attract up to 83,000 visitors to the area each year, contributing $2 million to the local economy.
This project is part of the Labor Government's investment of more than $41 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015, transforming and boosting local economics and generating jobs growth.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
"The 1000+ Steps project is creating a valuable asset for the entire region, - the spectacular views from the lookout points highlight just how special the Moorabool Valley is to communities, businesses and visitors to this stunning area."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"We're proud to back projects that provide accessible tourism experiences, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to visit our state's best destinations and enhance the region's nature-based tourism offering."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"The magnificent outdoor trail is creating more opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the region - bringing art and the outdoors together for everyone to enjoy."
As stated by Member for Melton Steve McGhie
"These transformed spaces will see more locals and visitors come together to enjoy the heart of Bacchus Marsh."
As stated by Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Cr Rod Ward
"The sculpture trail is stage 2 of the Bald Hill activation project and has created a beautiful space at Telford Park. We encourage residents and visitors to the shire to come and see the art at the park and, if they're feeling active, climb the steps to the viewing platform on Bald Hill."
