Planning is now underway for the new Plenty River Trail through Plenty Gorge in Melbourne’s north.
The $20.4M project will stretch from University Hill in the south through to Doreen in the north.
As well at the 17.4 kilometre trail the project will include upgrades to the Hawkstowe Picnic area and the Nioka Bush Camp.
The trail will run along the western corridor of the park and will connect locals and visitors with the parklands and to Hawkstowe and Mernda railway stations.
The project is open for community consultation for eight weeks. Have your say here.
Draft designs are expected in early 2021 before construction begins late next year.
The Plenty River Trail is funded through the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, and is being managed by Parks Victoria.
The trail is regarded as a crucial step to linking many disparate attractions in the park, which is only 20 kilometres from central Melbourne.
Visitors need to be able to travel the full length of the park in order to properly experience the attractions.
Kangaroos and other native fauna are a key attraction as part of the park’s wider visitor experience.
During the consultation process the community will be asked to share their vision for the trail including what facilities they would like to see incorporated such as seating, bike lockup points and information signs.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said: “Plenty Gorge Park is a wonderful place and this new trail will enable the community to get even more use out of it for recreation, exercise or just enjoying nature.”
“More residents have recently been discovering the natural beauty, wildlife and bushland of the park at their doorstep, making now the perfect time to hear their fresh ideas.”
The Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said: “As a local, I’m excited about the future of Plenty Gorge and the opportunity to connect more communities in Melbourne’s north to this beautiful patch of parkland either by walking or getting on their bikes.”