A major funding announcement will see the Diamond Creek Trail extended from Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge.
The State Government has tipped in another $5M towards stage 2 of the project, bringing its total investment to $9.1 million.
Together, the investment by both the government and Nillumbik Shire will build a trail which will provide first-class riding and walking facilities for the people of the north-eastern suburbs.
Stages 1 and 2 of the extensions will comprise 7.8km of trail in total. When linked to the main Yarra Trail there will be a splendid 55km of trail from Hurstbridge all the way into the city.
Stage 1, already under construction, extends from the Diamond Creek township to Wattle Glen and was funded with $4 million from the Government's Towards Zero program.
The additional 5.3km of trail will be co-funded by the Nillumbik Shire, which is contributing $4M towards land acquisition for both stages 1 and 2 of the project.
The projects comprise nine new bridges, a three metre wide concrete trail, and a natural surface horse trail located a safe distance from the shared path.
Stage 1 starts in Luscombe Drive, Diamond Creek, and follow the Diamond Creek to Wilsons Road in Wattle Glen. Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan said: “This is an important piece of community infrastructure, set in a beautiful part of our Shire,”
Stage 2, which will create 100 new jobs over the next 12 months is expected to start later this year.
The funding is part of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program with $10 million set aside for the Northern Metropolitan Trails Program to provide targeted investment for new cycling and walking trails in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said: “Now more than ever we realise the value of fresh air, exercise and open space, and these extended trails will provide locals and visitors with even more opportunities to do just that.
“This project is not only a win for those who love the great outdoors – it means local jobs at a time when they are needed most.”
The Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said: “Having a continuous trail all the way from the city to Hurstbridge will provide valuable walking and riding trails for our community to enjoy and when it’s safe, bring visitors to our fabulous towns and grow local jobs.”