Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
The Peninsula Trail project, a grand vision of a world-class bike riding and walking network across the Mornington Peninsula, is edging closer to reality.
Around two thirds of the proposed 130km project is complete, but filling in the missing links to make it a continuous network would bring tremendous benefits to the community, and beyond.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is asking the community for its thoughts on the proposed trail by Thursday 14 July. Take the survey here.
The fully connected trail will connect spectacular coastline and townships in the region through active transport corridors, promote healthy living, unlock new tourism opportunities and ultimately strengthen the Mornington Peninsula as a premier riding and walking destination.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council says the completed project will deliver more than $23 million in direct and indirect visitor spending to local residents each year, and create $9 million worth of health cost savings.
There are 11 missing links in total. Four have been identified as priority projects and one - a shared path between Somerville and Baxter - has been funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments.
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack visits part of the Peninsula Trail (Image Credit: Peninsula Trail/Facebook)
The council previously committed $10 million to the project, and has allocated a further $1.34 million to its design, concept planning and delivery. It is calling for a further $62.5 million in funding to bring the missing links to life.