Multiuse Trails

Recent audits have found an estimated 42km of missing links in footpaths and shared user pathways (cyclist and pedestrians) across Southern Grampians Shire in the urban areas of Hamilton, Coleraine, Balmoral, Cavendish, Dunkeld, Glenthompson, Tarrington and Penshurst.

These pathways are a key contributor towards continued connectedness to both services and people, and are critical to community health and wellbeing which is particularly important for rural communities. The missing links, also identified in rural reserves, have been identified specifically in the Southern Grampians 2041 - Community Vision Framework and in strategic plans such as the Hamilton CBD Masterplan, Hamilton Lake Masterplan, Recreation and Leisure Strategic plan and small town structure plans.

Construction of these missing shared user pathways is necessary to provide connections for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the Southern Grampians Shire townships. In addition to the 42 km of urban connections, 65km of rural reserves and walking trails are proposed to improve to connectivity and access across the Shire.

These missing links will boost recreation opportunities for our community, support health and wellbeing, as well as ensuring access to central activity centres, schools, hospitals and education as priority locations. The paths will also provide access to our internationally renowned natural environment, linking our small towns, National Parks, volcanic sites, and Ramsar listed wetlands, providing an exceptional visitor experience and economic benefit for the region.

Highlights of this package include:

• Completion of the Hamilton to Coleraine rail trail.
• Trails to improve access to Volcanic Plains Masterplan sites.
• Series of connecting pathways in Hamilton to create walkway loops linking key natural environment sites for recreation and exercise.
• Trails to connect the township of Dunkeld with the Grampians Peak Trail and Dunkeld Arboretum.
• Pathways to connect the townships of Coleraine, Glenthompson, Cavendish, Balmoral, Tarrington, Branxholme and Penshurst with key recreational and community assets.

A $5.2m package to develop approximately 137 km of shared user pathways across the Southern Grampians Shire. This project can be staged.