The municipalities across Melbourne's north have launched a bold new strategy to expand and strengthen the trails network across the region.
The draft Northern Trails Strategy 2022 is a collaborative project between Moreland, Darebin, Banyule, Hume, Whittlesea, and Nillumbik councils.
The document is a blueprint for future development and maintenance of a recreational off-road trail network across northern metropolitan Melbourne where there is a massive catchment of residents eager to explore the region by bike.
The draft strategy, which builds on the former 2016 version, is out for public consultation. It contains a highly detailed analysis of the opportunities and rationale for priority projects.
Make sure you provide feedback and have your say on the top 10 priorities for trail development in the north.
Community consultation is open until 19 September 2022.
Both the off-road and arterial road trail networks have been burgeoning across the north in recent years.
New trails have been completed at Diamond Creek and are underway along the Plenty River while road upgrades now underway across the region will provide vital shared path linkages.
Add in the proposed new connections and riders and their families will have a great network of paths and trails to explore and environments to appreciate.
The top 10 priorities are:
- Maroondah Aqueduct Trail (01) – Construct a new section of trail connecting the Plenty River Trail near Lear Crt, east along the aqueduct across Diamond Creek Rd to the Diamond Creek Trail at Allendale Rd.
- Merri Creek Trail (08) – Complete the missing section of trail from the Metropolitan Ring Rd to the existing section of trail south of Horne St.
- Maroondah Aqueduct Trail (02) – Construct a new section of trail from Main Rd Diamond Creek, along Eltham–Yarra Glen Rd, Creek Rd, Eltham Rd, Carters Ln and along Fryers Gully Drain while ensuring minimal impact to the Warrandyte – Kinglake Nature Reserve
- Edgars Creek Trail (01) – Construct new section of trail from the Merri Creek Trail to Ronald St on the west bank.
- Merri Creek Trail (02) – Partner with Parks Victoria and DELWP to extend the Merri Creek Trail from Merri Concourse (north) to Cooper St.
- Upfield Rail Trail (02) – Advocate to the Department of Transport to construct a new section of trail from the Metropolitan Ring Rd to Somerton Rd.
- Whittlesea Shared Trail (01) – Construct a new trail along the train line from Mernda Station to Laurel St, Whittlesea. Ensure there is provision for horse riders on parts of the trail.
- Merri Creek Trail (03) – Advocate for and investigate the staged extension of the Merri Creek Trail from Cooper St Somerton/Epping north to OHerns Rd as part of the Upper Merri Creek Regional Parkland Plan.
- Merri Creek Trail (04) – Advocate for and investigate the staged extension of the Merri Creek Trail from OHerns Rd to Craigieburn Rd as a part of the Upper Merri Creek Regional Parkland Plan.
- Kinglake Way Trail (01) – Establish a new trail from Hurstbridge to Arthurs Creek.
The recommendations are based on several factors, including plans contained in existing state and council strategies, and the economic, social, health and commuter benefits.
Community surveys last year found that 77% of respondents would use trails more if they were better connected.
Regional trail strategies exist for other clusters of councils around metropolitan Melbourne to guide collaboration on trail development and are periodically updated.