Works have begun on a record $4 million investment in Wyndham's walking and cycling paths.
Construction is currently underway to add a new section of footpath along Bodmin Court in Truganina, which will close a missing link between existing paths in the area.
Work will also begin in coming weeks on a new path along Cheviot Drive in Truganina that will connect existing footpaths and allow walkers easy access to Arndell Park Community Centre, Truganina South Primary School, nearby parks, sporting facilities and Skeleton Creek.
A further 11 upgrades are planned in Werribee over the next two months, which will allow walkers to get to local parks, the Werribee River Trail, public transport, shopping and the Werribee CBD.
Wyndham City Mayor and Healthy City portfolio holder Cr Adele Hegedich said these works formed part of the Wyndham Active Transport Strategy, a trailblazing plan to connect the missing links in our walking and cycling paths over the next decade.
Cr Hegedich said more packages of works will be delivered in tranches throughout 2021/22.
"We want to make it easier and safer for Wyndham residents to get from A to B by walking or cycling, and provide better access for wheelchairs, scooters and prams," Cr Hegedich said.
"That's why in 2021/22 we're spending a record $4 million on Wyndham's active transport network, which includes a $1.5 million Federal Government grant."
"Through these works we will create a safe, efficient and convenient active transport network that provides better connectivity around Wyndham for walkers and bike riders."
"We've already made significant investments in this space, spending $2.2 million - including a $1.2 million Federal Government grant - over 2020/21 on 12 kilometres of cycling and shared path upgrades."
Wyndham City's City Design portfolio holder Cr Josh Gilligan added: "Walking and cycling are essential modes of transport that help families stay healthy and spend quality time together."
"Over the past 18 months, walking and bike riding have been one of the few respites during lockdowns that have allowed us to get out of the house and into nature."
"The proof is in the pudding - over 2020/21, a record 1.75 million bikes were sold in Australia and, in the past year, 624,000 people have taken up cycling."
"This is a prime time to improve our footpath and shared path network so that walking and cycling can be a genuine transport mode of choice for residents going about their daily business."
"This is in line with the feedback we've received from the community through the refreshed Wyndham 2040 Community Vision, which will be actioned over the coming years through the Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan."
"We ask our residents to please adhere to the State Government's restrictions and keep to a five-kilometre radius of your home when out walking or cycling."
