By Peter Douglas
Cardinia Shire Council believes the Gembrook extension to the Emerald-Cockatoo multi-purpose trail will be a boon for Emerald, Gembrook and Cockatoo residents.
The project had been identified as a high priority for the community, through the recent Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy.
The aim is to offer improved, safe access to local amenities, so trail-users can walk or ride for enjoyment, or commute to work.
The Emerald to Gembrook Multi-Use Trail will provide further access to important community, commercial and recreational facilities.
Council’s Manager Infrastructure Services, Andrew Barr, said the benefits of this investment were many.
“The trail will create enhanced opportunities for physical activity for young people and seniors in the hills area of Cardinia Shire, with positive implications for health and well-being,” he said.
“Providing township-links like this also helps to increase tourism and improve safety for users by separating the trail from the main roads.”
As the council recently passed its 2017-’18 budget, it was announced more than $2 million in funding had been committed to the project.
The trail will create enhanced opportunities for physical activity for young people and seniors in the hills area of Cardinia Shire, with positive implications for health and well-being.
The project will offer convenient and safe access to shops, public transport stops, schools, community facilities and open spaces.
The funds have come through a grant of $545,000 provided by the Victorian Government under its Growing Suburbs Fund, as well as a further investment of $755,000 from Council’s Capital Works program.
This follows $1 million from the Federal Government, which was an election commitment.
The funds will complement an additional council commitment to revamp to community infrastructure over the next five years, with shire-wide commitments confirmed as $19.4 million on roads, $3.86 million in building upgrades and $2.55 million towards playing surfaces.
In addition, $1 million will be directed towards the Gembrook pavilion upgrade, as well as $525,000 for the completion of the Emerald netball pavilion and courts.
