A new trail through Plenty Gorge Park will see the installation of five new lookouts along Plenty River after a $19.3 State Government commitment was announced last week.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio revealed the final designs for a Plenty River Trail linking Doreen with RMIT University’s Bundoora campus.
The trail was developed through consultation with stakeholder groups and aims to enable more people to experience the park’s landscapes, including wetlands, native bush and historic sites.
In addition to the five new lookouts, two new bridges will be built across the river and a third, Maroondah Aqueduct Pipe Bridge, will be refurbished.
The government will also install new signs and information boards highlighting the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
The five lookouts will be at Carome Homestead, Lone Pine next to Wilton Vale Road, Gorge Road, Blue Lake and Riverside near the Tanuda wetlands.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the lookouts had been designed to blend in with the landscape and provide expansive views of the surrounding area.
“This new trail is going to be a great asset for our community, enabling all of us to appreciate the wonderful native wildlife and plants that call Plenty Gorge Park home,” she said.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green was also enthusiastic about the project, noting the trail would connect to the Mernda and Hawkstone railway stations.
“Seeing these designs finalised is another welcome step towards realising a really exciting project that will connect our community with great opportunities for cycling, walking and exploring the natural world,” she said.
The State Government also announced an $800,000 upgrade to Hawkstowe Picnic Area and $383,500 upgrade to Nioka Bush Camp to improve the park’s accessibility for people of all abilities.
The final plans for the trail were developed by lead consultant firms TCL and Cardno, with input from Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung traditional owners, the community, councils and other stakeholders.
