By BEN CAMERON
A PETITION rejecting Cardinia Shire Council’s proposal for an off-road walking trail path between Cockatoo and Gembrook has highlighted 24 areas of concern.
Details of the petition, however, have not been disclosed by council. A recommended alignment was adopted in 2003, however council is revisiting it to ensure “that it is still feasible”.
The Gazette revealed in November it will not commence the project until 2018, and it would not be completed until at least 2020.
Former Gembrook Township Committee president David Nickel, who had called for the State Government to fund the trail, said the benefits of the trail would be enormous.
“It’s 10 years overdue,” he said.
“It shows a lack of proactive governance (from council).”
Council’s manager of Assets and Development Paul Richardson said that initial consultation had been undertaken with key stakeholders, however, council would have a greater understanding of construction costs when the design was finalised.
“At this stage, council has earmarked $1.5 million of funding for trail construction in 2018-2019 and $500,000 in 2019-2020.”
The trail will be an off-road, multi-use path that will cater for walkers, hikers and bikers and be in close proximity to the Puffing Billy train line.
The planned section follows on from the trail developed from Emerald to the edge of Wright Forest and then to Cockatoo township.
Council first started detailed planning for a link between the two towns in 2001.
Ranges Ward councillor Tania Baxter said late last year two community consultation sessions were well attended and highlighted the significant demand from the community for the linkage to be completed.
