Parks Victoria is seeking public input to a new 10-year master plan for Plenty Gorge Park.
The plan will replace a 1994 version and look at extending leisure and recreation opportunities while protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.
A draft concept plan has been prepared and was made public last week, in time for two information sessions to be held in Yarrambat and Mill Park this week.
Key initiatives include completing the shared cycling and walking path, Plenty River Trail, from Doreen in the north to University Hill in the south, a distance of about 15 kilometres.
A network of secondary trails to link Plenty River Trail to park entries and lookouts is also on the ‘to-do’ list.
The draft plan cites a need for park facilities and more community events at Hawkestowe, promotion of conservation of the Morang Wetlands and better use of the Nioka Bush Camp.
A southern river crossing, connecting communities and providing scenic views of Plenty Gorge, will also be investigated.
Parks Victoria district manager Philip Ross said more than 170,000 people visited Plenty Gorge Park each year, and visitor numbers would increase as more people moved into the area.
“We need to find that really delicate balance of providing recreational opportunities for the community and protecting and enhancing the environmental and cultural elements of the park,” Mr Ross said. “There is a lot of research that shows parks provide a significant health benefit to the community. If we can improve access to recreational facilities in Plenty Gorge Park, and provide healthy parks, we can improve the health benefits in the community and encourage healthy people.”
Parks Victoria will receive comment on the draft master plan until Friday, August 7.
Information sessions will be held on Saturday, July 25, 10am until noon, at Rivers of Yarrambat (garden centre entrance), 28 Kurrak Road, Yarrambat, and on Saturday, July 25, 1-3pm at Rivergum Village (supermarket entrance), Plenty Road, Mill Park.
