Hannah Hammoud
Whittlesea council has endorsed the Northern Trails 2022 strategy which will plan and develop regional trails in Whittlesea and the north over the next 10 years.
The strategy was endorsed at the council meeting on Tuesday, March 21 in a joint collaboration with Banyule, Hume, Merri-bek, Darebin and Nillumbik councils
As part of the strategy, Whittlesea council will identify the priority walking and cycling trails in the municipality to establish a strategic framework for the planning and development of the trails.
The strategy identifies priority projects for each of the six local government areas as well as top priorities for the overall region.
These have been identified through community and stakeholder consultation and assessed according to a range of criteria such as the proximity of the trail to population centres and transport hubs.
Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said it was important for the northern councils to work together on establishing a regional trail network for the community to enjoy.
“We know that our community love to be active and get out for a walk or bike ride, and this strategy provides the blueprint for developing a connected, off-road trail network across the northern region,” Ms Wilson said.
Northern Trails 2022 identifies the top 10 currently unfunded priority projects across the region, as well as the top 10 unfunded projects within the Whittlesea Council, including Whittlesea shared trail and missing sections of the Yan Yean pipe track, Merri Creek trail and Darebin Creek trail.
“Together with the Northern Council Alliance, we will continue to strongly advocate to the state government for a 10-year pipeline of funding to complete these projects and deliver a safe, accessible and connected trail network for our community,” Ms Wilson said.
Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
