Works to upgrade three key connections to improve cycling and pedestrian access from Sebastopol to the Yarrowee Trail have been officially unveiled.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP on behalf of The Honourable Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Regional Development, along with City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson have marked the completion of the Yarrowee River Access project with an official opening at the new viewing area and shelter in Orion Street.
The City of Ballarat delivered the $1.2 million investment to upgrade connections to the Yarrowee Trail, funded as part of the State Government's $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol commitment.
Three sites were upgraded at:
- The corner of Orion Street and Rubicon Streets to create a parkland and viewing area and shelter with access to the Redan Wetlands.
- The Yuille Station Park site in Vickers Street to improve picnic facilities and car parking with access to the Yuille Wetlands.
- Docwra Street to create a welcoming gateway to the start of the Yarrowee Trail.
The works include landscaping, new pathways and connections, car park upgrades, shelters, picnic furniture and shelters, fencing and bollards.
Two additional initiatives being funded as part of the Spotlight on Sebastopol program are also progressing.
Works have started on the first stage of the 770-metre off-road Hertford Street bike path and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The $946,000 stage one section of the path from the Midland Highway (Albert Street) to Phoenix P-12 Community College along Hertford Street (Glenelg Highway) will provide a safe way for students to access Phoenix P-12 Community College and kindergarten.
Raised crossings across side streets will allow safer access to schools, shops and services for all pedestrians and cyclists.
Works to deliver the Victoria Albert Streetscape Project have also begun.
The $974,000 project will deliver landscaping, including new trees to enhance the area, and will improve parking, pedestrian safety, accessibility and beautification of the area from just north of Birdwood Avenue to Ophir Street.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Spotlight on Sebastopol initiatives are working to enhance the area, making it an even more inviting place to live, visit and shop.
"The City of Ballarat is proud to deliver these upgrades and thanks the Victorian Government for their vital investment into Sebastopol's infrastructure and its future," he said.
"The accessibility and beautification upgrades along the 16.5 kilometre Yarrowee Trail will strengthen important connections between between Docwra Street and Gong Gong Reservoir.
"Connecting Sebastopol with this important natural asset is an excellent opportunity to create living corridors that will enhance residents' physical and mental wellbeing."
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP said: "Through the Allan Labor Government's transformative Spotlight on Sebastopol we are making Sebas an even better place to live."
"The completion of the $1.2 million Yarrowee River Trail delivers three new connections to allow people to gather and connect with nature as well as new pathways, picnic areas and shelters."
"I am pleased to see the progress being made on the Hertford Street Bike Path. Our investment of $946,000 for the dual direction bike land and share path, this will be of particular benefit to Phoenix students and staff who chose to cycle to school."
"Through the $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol projects we are improving amenity, whilst maintaining and promoting the unique identity of Sebastopol."
Works on the Yarrowee River Access project started in December 2023 and were completed in July 2024.
The City of Ballarat worked with contractor Urban Initiatives, which carried out the detailed design works for the three sites, and Ballarat's SHAE Enterprises, which completed the construction works.
The planning phase involved consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation and the development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
