The Diamond Creek Trail extension has been officially opened with a community celebration in Hurstbridge at the weekend.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio opened the trail on Saturday, together with Yan Yean MP Danielle Green and Eltham MP Vicki Ward, Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre, Councillors, community members and organisations.
The trail extension was constructed in two stages. Stage one is 2.5km in length from Luscombe Drive in Diamond Creek to Wilson Road in Wattle Glen. Stage two continues 3.2km to the Graysharps Road Open Space Precinct in Hurstbridge. There are eight creek crossings in total.
Thousands of people have already been enjoying the benefits of the shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders since the second stage was finished in March.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre said the project was a wonderful example of what could be achieved when different levels of government and the community worked closely together.
“I would like to thank all those community members and groups involved for your drive and advocacy over many, many years – this is your legacy,” Cr Eyre said.
“I would also like to thank Minister D’Ambrosio and our local members Danielle Green and Vicki Ward for your generosity, foresight and receptiveness to our community’s needs and making this dream a reality,” Cr Eyre said.
Bunjil Ward Councillor Karen Egan said the trail would bring thousands of new visitors to the region.
“Hurstbridge is a bit of a hidden gem, but thanks to the Diamond Creek Trail, it’s not going to be a secret much longer,” Cr Egan said.
“This is a huge boost for our townships, local businesses as well as Nillumbik as a whole.”
Ellis Ward Councillor Peter Perkins said the trail was the result of a great collective community effort in advocacy stretching back many years.
“I remember attending the first meeting of the Trailblazers all those years ago, a meeting which we can look back on now as the catalyst for what we’re marking today, so it’s great to see Helen Legg and Rex Niven here today,” Cr Perkins said.
‘This is a great outcome which will lead to health, environmental and economic benefits to our community.”
Helen Legg, President of Trailblazers Inc said she was pleased the years of advocacy to all levels of government had been worthwhile and had achieved such a positive outcome for the community.
“This trail is a legacy for future generations, and a safe and healthy way for all to enjoy this beautiful environment in which we live,” she said.
Victoria Walks Executive Officer Dr Ben Rossiter, who also attended Saturday’s launch, said walking was the most popular recreational activity.
“Research has shown there is growing demand for trails providing access to our green spaces where people can connect with nature. This trail is not only beautiful, but public-transport friendly with easy access to train stations along the Hurstbridge rail line so you can walk in one direction and travel by train in the other,” he said.
The Diamond Creek Trail extension has been funded $4 million through the Department of Transport’s Towards Zero initiative (Stage 1), and $5.1 million through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Suburban Parks Program (Stage 2). Council has contributed more than $4 million toward the construction of the trail across the two stages.
