By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
Project handballed to candidates in the run-up to State Elections…
An OFF-ROAD trail 11 years in the making will not be completed until 2020 under Cardinia Council’s current budget allocations.
The Gembrook Township Committee and local councillors are calling for the State Government to fund a planned trail, linking Cockatoo to Gembrook after it emerged that council will not commence the project until 2018.
President of the Township committee, David Nickell, says that plans to complete the project have already been delayed 11 years after stage one was completed in 2003. Together with Cardinia Shire Councillor Tania Baxter, the committee has called on local election candidates to commit to funding the project, enabling it to be fast tracked.
Mr Nickell said that he was dismayed that the project would take another six years to complete.
“It is clear that the construction of this trail is far more urgent to the community than 2020 completion.
“This has always been a two-stage project and the first stage received significant government assistance. We are calling on the Victorian Government to step up and again support this cause.”
The trail will be an off-road, multi-use path that will cater for walkers, hikers and bikers. Picturesque and in close proximity to the Puffing Billy train line, it will undoubtedly draw tourists to the area.
Council’s manager of Assets and Development Paul Richardson said that initial consultation had been undertaken with key stakeholders however council would have a greater understanding of construction costs when the design was finalised.
“At this stage, council has earmarked $1.5 million of funding for trail construction in 2018-2019 and $500,000 in 2019-2020.”
He went on to say that it hoped external funding for the project could be sourced earlier.
Greens candidate Michael Schilling has come out in favour of the project, and would categorically support the State Government funding the project so that it can be completed earlier.
“I am in favour of the Open Space Linkage, and support the State Government funding the project so it can be completed before 2020.
“I believe that creating green open spaces is vital to keep cities liveable and communities healthy.”
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said that the project fell under the forward planning program of the Cardinia Shire in committing to sports, arts and other recreational activities.
“If re-elected, I will be pleased to work with the local council and councillors to seek the urgent programs required to stay with the growth in the Cardinia/Casey corridor.”
The planned section follows on from the trail developed from Emerald to the edge of Wright Forest and then to Cockatoo township. Councillor Baxter said that two recent community consultation sessions were well attended and highlighted the significant demand from the community for the linkage to be completed.
“There is a clear need for this trail in our community. Stage one of the trail has proven a valuable asset to Emerald and Cockatoo, and I anticipate that this trail will be equally as successful.”
Mr Nickell said that while it was pleasing that the project was back on the agenda of the council, its full potential was not being recognised. He labelled the trail a “catalyst project” for the Gembrook area.
“As a key recreation project and economic development, the Cockatoo to Gembrook linkage will continue to grow the tourism potential in the area as well as provide an essential path for locals.
“Election candidates and the Victorian Government need to make this a priority.”
