In an exciting milestone for the Yarra Valley Trail (YVT), Council approved the tender for construction of the Stage1B.2 at the Council meeting on Tuesday 25 February 2025.
Stage 1B.2 is 1.5km long section that stretches from the Melba Highway to the Yarra River. Construction is due to start in mid 2025 with the trail anticipated to be opened in early 2026.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Councillor Jim Child said we're at a stage of this world class project where we are seeing real progress.
"It is also exciting to see construction well underway on the two upgraded heritage trestle bridges between Yering to Melba Bend as well. We're looking forward to opening this section of the trail in mid-2025."
"These steps demonstrate Council's commitment to delivering Stage 1 of the Yarra Valley Trail, in its entirety, from Lilydale to Yarra Glen," said Cr Child.
"This investment is projected to support significant benefits to the local community, including important health and wellbeing outcomes. The ability to commute along easy-grade trail to Lilydale will also enhance the lifestyle for our Yarra Valley residents."
"With the iconic heritage bridges, the trail is set to become a quintessential feature of the Yarra Valley. When the trail is completed to Yarra Glen, it is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors a year to enjoy general recreation and generate approximately $8.3M in regional spending per year," said Cr Child.
YVT Stage 1B (Yering to Yarra Glen) has experienced delays due to several years in planning permit approvals, a VCAT hearing and then prolonged wet weather. These delays have contributed to increased delivery costs. The current project budget is not sufficient to get all the way through to Yarra Glen.
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister, who spoke in favour of the tender motion, acknowledged the trail still had hurdles to cross.
"I'm very happy for us to be at this point. It will still be a beautiful but in some ways tantalizing, ride to go from Lilydale so close to Yarra Glen. But I remain optimistic that in this term of Council we'll be successful in getting the funding for the substantial bridge that's needed to complete that piece of the Trail," said Cr McAllister.
To cross the Yarra River to Yarra Glen requires a significant bridge, and 800 metres of proposed boardwalks. Council is investigating ways to reduce the cost of this final 1.2km long connection to Yarra Glen Railway Station and Bell Street.
The funding received for construction of the first stage of the trail between Lilydale and Yarra Glen was funded by three different programs associated with various Federal & State Governments, and Council.
This critical, final section of Stage 1 is one of Council's main advocacy requests for funding in upcoming Federal and State elections and future grant opportunities.
