Plan for aqueduct

A RE-ELECTED Bracks Government would spend $800,000 to open the O’Shannassy Aqueduct as a forest bicycle route.
The money would enable the remaining 25 kilometres of the 30 kilometre trail to be completed, as well as improving services related to the trail.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato welcomed the announcement, saying the track would help boost tourism and visitor numbers to the area.
“This magnificent area is world-class in the quality of its natural beauty.
“The injection of these additional funds will attract even more visitors to the area and make the area more accessible,” she said.
Ms Lobato said the Bracks Government had worked hard to upgrade and improve Victoria’s cycling networks.
“Since 1999, 270 kilometres of bicycle lanes and paths have been added to Melbourne’s bike network and more than 460 kilometres of bike paths in provincial Victoria,” she said.
Ms Lobato said the $800,000 election promise was fantastic news for the Upper Yarra.
“The Bracks Government has built on its creation of the aqueduct into a park by dedicating additional funds to ensure that Upper Yarra residents, along with visitors to the area, get the first class facilities they need and deserve,” she said.
The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is a 30 kilometre cycling and walking track which passes through the Yarra Ranges National Park and connects to the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail.