Federal trail funds

By Tania Martin
HILLS cyclists will soon be able to take up a new challenge along a 5.6-kilometre Mount Evelyn track thanks to a federal government cash splash.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese last week announced cash for two bike paths in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
He said the grant was part of the government’s $40 million National Bike Paths Projects fund.
The shire will receive $82, 500 for the Olinda Creek Trail project that will run from the Hull Road Wetlands to the York on Lilydale Resort in Mount Evelyn.
It will form part of the track that will eventually run from Lilydale Lake to the York on Lilydale.
Mr Albanese also announced $31, 500 for shared-path links along the Warburton Rail Trail.
The cash will go towards building a shared path along Warburton Highway, Wandin North, to the rail trail.
“These two projects will support 10 jobs during construction and into the longer term in the local economy,” Ms Albanese said.
Yarra Ranges Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said the cash was great news.
He said the project first started in 2003 with the extension of the Hull Road Wetlands and included fixing issues with flooding and researching the colonies of platypus in the area.
In 2007 the State Government also injected $89,000 into the project to start work on the walking track from the York on Lilydale Resort near Marne Road to Hull Road.
But Cr Heenan said the project had hit a stumbling block and money fell short after problems about the track going through VicRoads land.
He said the council also had to elevate the track because it was in a substantial flood area.
“This federal money is very welcome,” Cr Heenan said. “We didn’t expect it but it’s good because then the link will be complete from Lillydale Lake to York on Lilydale.”
“It’s a beautiful walk, it’s a jewel that not every one knows about in Mount Evelyn at the moment,” Cr Heenan said.
Mr Albanese said he was pleased to announce this investment in the Yarra Ranges’ community infrastructure.
“By building better cycling infrastructure, the government is helping take cars off our local roads and reducing carbon emissions over the longer term,” he said.
“We are building community infrastructure that will encourage healthier lifestyles amongst residents and create more sustainable communities.”
Cr Heenan now hopes to get a trail that will link Mount Evelyn to the Silvan Dam and even as far as Monbulk and Belgrave.