Campaspe River Walking Trail upgrade underway

Published on 05 June 2018

Works have started on a $550,000 upgrade to Kyneton’s popular and picturesque Campaspe River Walking Trail.

The project will see the kilometre-long existing gravel path upgraded to a 2.5 metre wide concrete shared path from Piper Street to the end of Wedge Street.

The upgrade will make the trail more suitable for the community, including walkers, runners, cyclists and people pushing prams. It will also increase accessibility for people with using wheelchairs or walking frames.

The new path mainly follows the original route, however in some locations it has had to deviate from this for environmental, engineering or safety reasons.

Council developed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the project with the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, which is supportive of the path upgrade.

Council is working with the Campaspe River and Land Management Group to explore the installation of outdoor exercise equipment adjacent to the new path. Equipment of this type has proven popular in other municipalities across Australia, particularly along shared pathways.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said the upgraded trail would be a great benefit to locals and visitors alike.

“The riverside trail is one of Kyneton’s greatest assets and plays an important part in providing a recreation area for residents and tourists,” Cr Anderson said.

“Walking is an exercise which has the highest participation levels in the community, and the health benefits associated with walking and other physical activities are immense.

“As detailed in the Council Plan, we are committed to projects like this which not only enhance the liveability of our shire but encourage more people to get out and enjoy our beautiful environment.”

The Campaspe River Trail Improvement and Connections Project was funded by $300,000 from the Victorian Government’s through the Regional Development - Infrastructure Fund, $50,000 from the Transport Investing in Regions Fund and $200,000 from Council.

It is expected works to upgrade the walking trail will be completed by July.