By Cr Michael Clarke
From February to March this year, we asked our community to contribute their ideas for a safer, more connected pedestrian network as we look to develop a new Walking Strategy that will guide delivery of council’s walking infrastructure and activities.
The network of footpaths connecting key assets and areas of Maribyrnong – whether it’s the majestic Maribyrnong River, parks and reserves, urban streetscapes, and iconic destinations such as Footscray Market – is critical in supporting day to day activities for members of our community, particularly those who don’t drive.
Whether walking assisted or independently as a form of recreation or exercise, or to get from A to B, one of the side effects is the benefit to health and wellbeing both individually and collectively.
Walkability and well-being are intermittently linked.
It is in this context we have begun improvement works along the Maribyrnong River Trail to upgrade and repair the existing shared user path along the river’s edge.
There are two stages of works, with the first part near Burton Crescent Reserve currently underway and due to be complete by the end of April.
Stage two works near Jacks Magazine and Burndap Park will start in late April with works near Jacks Magazine undertaken first, and works along Burndap Park undertaken last.
These works, which include upgrading and widening the existing shared user path, installing 100 metres of new paths, and establishing new trees, will support safe walking and bike riding opportunities along the Maribyrnong River.
Details: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/rivertrail
