COMMUNITY members can now cast their eyes on the most up-to-date plans for the highly-anticipated 12.6 kilometer cycling trail between Swan Hill and Lake Boga.
After more than a year of consulting with stakeholders, Swan Hill Rural City Council and the community, Heil Engineering Consultants have finished their report into the trail and it has been released for public comment.
The report details the preferred track for the trail, a stage-by-stage breakdown of how it can be rolled out and expanded over time, and the costs and benefits projected to be associated with the project.
Based on feedback from everyone who participated in the consultations, the proposed path alignment will run along the east side of the Murray Valley Highway and railway reserve between Swan Hill and Lake Boga.
Council’s director development and planning, Adam McSwain, said there was a significant up-front cost to construct the trail and currently no funding has been secured for its construction, but council would further investigate opportunities in the New Year.
He said if funding were secured for the trail, however, the benefits and opportunities would be greater than just providing a link between two townships.
“This active trail has the potential to not only enhance our region’s profile, but also improve the health and social wellbeing of our community members, as well as stimulating economic benefit,” Mr McSwain said.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (December 21).
