The first sod was turned on a project designed to help residents enjoy the expanses of the Whittlesea Township Park.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson joined Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage on Thursday to officially start the works.
The project is jointly funded by matching a $500,000 contribution from the City of Whittlesea and the State Government through its Growing Suburbs Fund.
Access to and through the park was identified by community and stakeholders during consultation on the park’s master plan as one of the most pressing areas requiring improvement.
The 2.5 metre wide paths will benefit all path users, including walkers, runners, cyclists, and people with prams and mobility aids.
The project will also see the existing timber bridge replaced with a 10 metre long and 4.5 metre wide concrete bridge installed over Plenty River for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
Eastern Hill residents will be among the beneficiaries, as the bridge will allow direct pedestrian access to the township’s commercial, communal, and educational facilities.
There will also be seated rest stops installed along the paths, improved street and solar lighting, updated way finding and map-based signage, native tree planting, and works to alleviate overland flooding issues.
Ms Kathage said the paths would be beneficial to the Whittlesea community.
“These new paths will be a fantastic asset for our community, providing safe and accessible walking and cycling paths that residents can enjoy for years to come,” she said.
Ms Wilson said council was devoted to ensuring its open spaces were maximised to provide residents opportunities to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles.
“By removing some of the common barriers to exercise, we will see more people out and about enjoying what Whittlesea Township Park has to offer,” she said.
“This project will make a big difference to the lives of residents in the Whittlesea Township, especially those to the east of the river.”
Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny said the project would support thriving communities.
“We’re investing in community wellbeing by supporting local councils to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs,” she said.
“We’re building better places for people to live, work, and connect with one another and supporting thriving communities.”
Work is expected to finish mid-2025.
