The key link in the Mornington Trails Network between Moorooduc and Mornington has been realigned back to the original plan of a trail along the old rail line corridor.
The long-understood rail trail concept was to extend the existing rail trail from Moorooduc Station, a logical and economical solution that would attract many riders.
However, when a draft masterplan was published, the route was shown on a totally different alignment away from the scenic rail corridor.
The existence of remnant, rare vegetation in several locations along the rail route was said to preclude its use for a rail trail.
Mornington Shire Council has now decided to pursue the original route, subject to environmental requirements being met.
Former rail corridors make tremendous trail routes as the century-old engineering and drainage is usually still in place to provide the foundations for a path.
The connection between Moorooduc and Mornington is already an informal route for walkers and riders and any rare and legally protected vegetation is currently at risk.
However, as we have seen with many other trails along former rail corridors, the creation of a formal rail trail can be a boon for the preservation and development of indigenous plant species.
A Mornington to Moorooduc trail project along the corridor can be the trigger for formalised path alignment, fencing of protected areas, planning and maintenance to protect and expand plant habitat, and the development of a strong local community movement to embrace and support the trail for both its human and environmental health benefits.
This route has good connections to schools and community attractions as well as other bike routes.
And it will add to the value of the other sections of the peninsula-wide trail network when completed.
Local bike advocate Ross Kilborn said the alignment would create a trail that went all the way from Mornington to Melbourne.
“More importantly, from a resident’s point of view, if you go within the rail corridor, you’re going to connect up with most of our schools, most of our shopping centres and most of our sports facilities,” he said.
Mornington Shire has budgeted $660,000 for 2025-26 towards detailed design of the trail.
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