Help shape the Gannawarra's walking and cycling options

Published on 24 January 2022

Residents are encouraged to help Gannawarra Shire Council identify and improve walking and cycling options throughout the municipality.

As part of efforts to develop Council’s Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy, residents will be able to have their say on the municipality’s current network of footpaths and tracks, as well as identify future demand for active recreation and tourism opportunities.

“The Gannawarra is renowned for its connections to nature, highlighted by the Gunbower Forest and the Kerang Lakes,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“The Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy will will establish recommendations to assist Council in the ongoing development of walking and cycling tracks and trails to improve walking and cycling connections in and between communities to improve the liveability and recreational opportunities within Gannawarra.”

Residents will be able to take part in the engagement process during February by one of three ways – in-person sessions; a virtual workshop; and online survey.

In-person community drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates:

A virtual workshop will also occur on Wednesday, 2 February from 5pm. Residents wishing to attend this session can register their attendance by emailing [email protected]

“Council will also hold on-site listening posts by appointment in the Gannawarra’s smaller communities. To register your interest and location, you can contact Council or access information on our website,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Residents unable to attend any of these sessions can visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/walking anytime between now and 5pm Friday, 25 February and complete an online survey.

“All feedback received will assist Council with the development of the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy, which is to be presented to Council later this year.”

Residents will also be able to assist with the development of the Kerang Lakes Eco-Trail Feasibility Study during the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy engagement period.

“This proposed trail, being explored in partnership with Kerang Landcare, will link Kerang and Lake Charm via a track that will enable people to walk or cycle through natural bushland and alongside some of the Gannawarra’s Ramsar-listed waterways,” Mayor Gillingham said.

Residents who participate in the Kerang Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy in-person community drop-in session on Wednesday, 2 February will also be able to have their say on the Kerang Lakes Eco-Trail Feasibility Study.

A virtual workshop for the Kerang Lakes Eco-Trail will also be held on Wednesday, 9 February from 5pm. To register, please email [email protected]

An online survey will also be available to complete up to 5pm Friday, 25 February at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/eco-trail

“Like the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy, all feedback received will assist with the development of the final version of the Kerang Lakes Eco-Trail Feasibility Study, which is to be completed later this year,” Mayor Gillingham said.

For more information regarding the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/walking. For more information regarding the Kerang Lakes Eco-Trail Feasibility Study, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/eco-trail