The federal government has tipped in more than $3 million for construction of a new trail from McKenzie Hill in Castlemaine to the town’s railway station.
The 3.6km link will connect a developing residential precinct to the centre of the town, catering for children and families travelling to and from schools and childcare centres, and commuters travelling to the train station and town centre.
The new pathway will link McKenzie Hill via Ray and Forrest streets to the railway station and then along Kennedy Street to Parker Street and the Botanical Gardens.
Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said a more extensive active travel network will boost living standards and encourage more residents in Castlemaine to work and cycle to the town centre.
“It is also important to remember that road safety is a shared responsibility and building safe foot and bike parts will improve safety for all road users," she said.
Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor Rosie Annear said the funding was a fantastic and very welcome investment in the council’s active transport network.
“The project to construct a shared cycling and pedestrian pathway linking McKenzie Hill to Castlemaine is one that members of our community have been advocating for, for some time,” she said.
“McKenzie Hill is a growth area in our shire, that currently doesn’t have great linkages or connections to central places and services in Castlemaine.
“While we would love to be able to deliver large active transport projects like this ourselves, it’s often just not possible, due to the high costs associated with new infrastructure.
“We’re thrilled that the federal government can help us out, and believes in the benefits of this project as much as we, and our community, do.
“Thank you to our community members in McKenzie Hill (and beyond) who have contacted us, met with councillors, and put forward a strong case for this project, and other important active transport linkages in the shire.
“McKenzie Hill is the first step in the right direction, and hopefully one project of many to come.”
The funding has come from the federal government’s Active Transport Fund, supplemented by a contribution of $750,000 from the council.
Construction is expected to start late next year following detailed design and will take four years to deliver.
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