PEOPLE in Melbourne’s north are being invited to have their say on a new 17-kilometre trail that creates the missing link between Doreen and University Hill in Bundoora.
The Plenty River trail is part of a $20.4 million investment in Plenty Gorge Park creating jobs and fostering connections with nature. The funding will also be used to upgrade the Hawkstowe Picnic Area and the Nioka Bush Camp.
Nature lovers will be able to make the full journey on the new trail by foot or bicycle through the gorgeous parkland located on Wurundjeri country.
The shared-use trail will run along the western corridor of the park and will connect locals and visitors with the parklands and to Hawkstowe and Mernda railway stations.
The Plenty River Trail is funded through the State Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program, providing opportunities for Victorians to connect with nature and enjoy open green space close to home.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said Plenty Gorge Park was a wonderful place.
“This new trail will enable the community to get even more use out of it for recreation, exercise or just enjoying nature,” she said.
“More residents have recently been discovering the natural beauty, wildlife and bushland of the park at their doorstep, making now the perfect time to hear their fresh ideas.”
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said during the consultation process, the community would be asked to share their vision for the trail including what facilities they would like to see incorporated such as seating, bike locks and information signs.
“As a local, I’m excited about the future of Plenty Gorge and the opportunity to connect more communities in Melbourne’s north to this beautiful patch of parkland either by walking or getting on their bikes,” she said.
Consultation is now open and will run for eight weeks.
For more information and to have your say on the Plenty River trail, visit engage.vic.gov.au/plenty-river-trail
