Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) is encouraging community members to give feedback for the Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035.
The Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035 provides guidance for the development of the network of paths and trails in Yarra Ranges with a particular focus on improving health, wellbeing and community connectivity.
The plan considers and builds on the existing Hike and Bike Strategy 2005.
The Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035 aims to identify levels of service for shared use and walking trails to define construction and maintenance standards, identify and map shared trails and YRC-owned or maintained walking trails across the shire, identify action areas relating to the future of the paths and trails network, and identify priority of works including upgrades to sections of existing trails, new/improved crossings and addressing missing link to paths and trails.
Cr Peter Mcilwain asked to built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp about the community consultation process.
In response to the question, Mr Philipp said the final draft plan would be available on the Shaping Yarra Ranges webpage for a period of four weeks, commencing on Wednesday 25 June.
“That will have some information around the plan, what it is, and some frequently asked questions,” Mr Philipp said.
“We’d be putting out media releases on our social media channels. We’d have an email and mail out to key stakeholder groups such as sporting clubs, community groups and schools.
“We’d have promotional signage on some of the main trails linking to the shaping page as it is referred to via a QR code, and would also be getting in touch with those who submitted to the earlier consultation phase.”
Deputy mayor Richard Higgins suggested extending the consultation period to six weeks so it goes past the school holidays, and Mr Philipp accepted it.
Cr Jeff Marriott moved the motion as recommended in the council meeting report, and it was seconded by Cr Mcilwain.
Cr Marriott said the deliverables from this plan will be a positive legacy for decades to come.
“The options for residents and tourists alike are wide and varied, whether it be adrenaline-based mountain biking, paddling, canoes or leisurable strolls along the rail trails, in addition to numerous skill levels for these activities,” the Streeton Ward councillor said.
“The Yarra Ranges area comprises a mix of environments that have and will continue to be an asset for a range of abilities.”
Cr Mcilwain said it’s a good example of strategic policymaking.
“I think one of the critical things, the thing that I appreciate the most about the plan apart from its comprehensive nature, is the way in which it is integrated with other plans within the council, particularly the health and wellbeing strategy, the recreation strategies that we have,” the Lyster Ward councillor said.
The motion was carried unanimously.
For more information or to have a say about the Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035, please visit the following website, shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/draft-paths-and-trails-plan-2024-2034
