Collaborating to connect our communities

A new regional strategy identifying the priority walking and cycling trails that Council will be advocating for over the next ten years was endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 March.

The Northern Trails 2022 is a collaboration between Banyule, Hume, Merri-bek, Darebin, Nillumbik and Whittlesea Councils and will guide the planning and development of regional trails in the north over the next ten years.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said it was important for the northern councils to work together on establishing a regional trail network for the community to enjoy.

“We know that our community love to be active and get out for a walk or bike ride, and this strategy provides the blueprint for developing a connected, off-road trail network across the northern region,” Ms. Wilson said.

“Expanding the trails, providing missing links and connecting suburbs and significant features across the municipalities will provide our community with greater opportunities to walk or ride for recreation and also as an alternative means of transport.”

Northern Trails 2022 identifies the top ten currently unfunded priority projects across the region, as well as the top ten unfunded projects within the City of Whittlesea, including Whittlesea shared trail and missing sections of the Yan Yean pipe track, Merri Creek trail and Darebin Creek trail.

“Together with the Northern Council Alliance, we will continue to strongly advocate to the State Government for a 10-year pipeline of funding to complete these projects and deliver a safe, accessible and connected trail network for our community,” Ms Wilson said

To view the strategy visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

/Public Release. View in full here.