
Warragul residents are set to benefit from a new shared pathway to the town centre as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s 2014-15 Transport Investing in Regions initiative, Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood announced today.
The Warragul Shared Pathway Project is a $120,000 project, jointly funded by Transport Investing in Regions ($30,000) and Baw Baw Shire Council ($90,000).
“The project addresses a number of key initiatives in the Victorian Coalition Government’s cycling strategy, Cycling into the Future 2013-2023, and the Gippsland Regional Growth Plan which provides a long-term framework to support and manage growth in Gippsland,” Mr Blackwood said.
“The Coalition Government was very keen to support this project, which will boost walking and cycling in Warragul and help make them safer forms of local travel,” Mr Blackwood said.
“Regional and rural Victoria play a critical role in our state’s prosperity and we are committed to supporting regional growth through smart investments and collaborative partnerships,” Mr Blackwood said.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council Murray Cook welcomed the investment from the Victorian Government.
“The project will provide a 280 metre pathway along Normanby Street which will connect the town centre to an existing cycling and walking route and new community precinct,” Cr Cook said.
“The new path, which will include safe road crossings, will provide safe access to the town centre and enhance Warragul’s walking and cycling network.”
Mr Blackwood said the Coalition Government is partnering with regional councils and local organisations to invest $2.3 million in a suite of 31 projects to be carried out across the state.
“The Transport Investing in Regions initiative is a great example of how the Victorian Government is working with councils and local organisations to build stronger communities in regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Blackwood said.
“The Coalition Government has invested around $940,000 towards this year’s round of projects and project partners, including regional councils, will contribute the remaining funding.”
Works on all Transport Investing in Regions projects will commence in 2014 and are expected to be complete by mid-2015.