A series of new walking and cycling trails will give residents the chance to explore fresh parts of the picturesque Quarry Hills Parkland.
City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd joined with Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio MP on Friday 7 June to officially turn the first sod on the project.
The five new trails range in length from 300 metres to 1.5 kilometres and will add about 4.5 kilometres to the parkland's existing network.
Visitors to the park will be able to use the trails to access new lookout points and enjoy different perspectives of the views across the city and mountain ranges.
In addition to the trails, the project provides for the installation of rest stops, shelters and wayfinding signage to enhance the user experience.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the Quarry Hills Connecting Trails project would help people from near and far enjoy the region's premier open space.
"Quarry Hills Parkland is such a special place and these new trails will allow residents and visitors alike to appreciate the area's natural beauty," she said.
"I have no doubt the parkland will be an even greater drawcard for people right across Victoria to come and experience the sweeping views.
"This project also allows us to celebrate the special place that Quarry Hills Parkland holds for the traditional owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Willum Clan."
The trails project, which is on track to be finished in late 2024, is one of three projects underway that will transform the parkland.
The Granite Hills Major Community Park is expected to be completed next year, while construction work will soon start on the Aboriginal Gathering Place.
The Quarry Hills Connecting Trails project is funded by the City of Whittlesea, with $1 million from the Victorian Government's Suburban Parks Program and $322,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
