The state government on Friday announced it would contribute $650,000 towards a 3.2 kilometre section of the Kororoit Creek Trail, which will eventually link the Altona Coastal Park with Brooklyn.
The government’s contribution will help build a section of the shared bike and pedestrian trail between the Princes Freeway and Barnes Road at Altona North.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the council was awaiting news on a federal government grant for a further 4.3 kilometres of trail to be built, completing the last section of a 7.5 kilometre “missing link”.
“This new section of trail connects to the north with the Federation Trail and will provide a vital connection through Melbourne’s west, as well as important links for the Altona, Altona North and Brooklyn communities to walk and cycle to work, home or any number of places while avoiding busy roads,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the state government for contributing to this vital link in our trail network – a trail that, once complete, will attract an estimated 5000 journeys a week by commuters, recreational cyclists and joggers.”
Vital project
Altona MP Jill Hennessy said the trail was a vital project for Melbourne’s west, “one which will improve access to open space and increase opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness across our whole community”.
Toyota Australia last year contributed $1.8 million to build a 2.5 kilometre section of the trail.
The creek is a winter home for the endangered swift parrot and its rejuvenation has resulted in the return of more than 110 bird species.
Fantastic news
Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FOLKC) president, Geoff Mitchelmore, said the latest funding was fantastic news.
“The completion of the trail to Cherry Lake from Geelong Road has been FOLKC’s goal since its inception in 2001 and is a fantastic result for the community,” he said.
“Now all we need is for the federal government to kick in the necessary funding for the last two sections linking Barnes Road to Cherry Lake.
“Hobsons Bay City Council has applied for this funding and hopefully this announcement by the state government will stimulate action to complete our long-awaited connection.”
The council aims to complete the trail over the next decade.
