Trails’ triple treat

ONE-HUNDRED and one kilometres of trails, mostly in Golden Plains Shire is set for significant upgrades following a funding announcement.

Known as the Three Trails Project, the pathways connect the edge of Ballarat with Rokewood at the southern end and Skipton in the west and include the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail, Kuruc a Ruc Trail and Rainbow Bird Trail.

The $750,0000 worth of works will include new signage, shelters, seating, picnic tables and chairs, decking upgrades, safety corrals at major highway crossings, culvert and bridge upgrades, spray seal of trail sections, upgrades to the Pittong Sleepover and installation of trail counters for data collection.

Much of the work can now be undertaken following a $500,000 grant from the State government and Member for Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said the project could become a regional drawcard.

“This project will make our region even more inviting to visitors as a destination, boosting regional jobs and community growth while supporting our state’s recovery from the impacts of coronavirus,” she said. “Hikers, cyclists and horse riders will enjoy these much-needed improvements.”

Other funding sources for the work include $180,000 from the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, $57,000 from Golden Plains Shire council and $13,000 from the former Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail Committee.

The work will be undertaken by the Shire and mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said funding by the State government represented many years of lobbying.

“Council is delighted to secure $500,000 to make the Three Trails Project a reality and we thank the Victorian Government for its significant support of this important regional project,” he said.

“This is a Priority Project of our council and, along with valuable funding from the Berrybank Wind Farm, we are proud to deliver the vision of the Three Trails.”

Cr Sharkey agreed with Ms Settle that the project has the potential to make the Three Trails a destination.

“With improvements to these three great trails, more local residents in our growing communities and new visitors to the region will explore and enjoy our picturesque Golden Plains.

“Along with promoting the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail, Kuruc a Ruc Trail and Rainbow Bird Trails as destinations for outdoor travel, we welcome the boost to the visitor economy in the north of our Shire.”

Work on the project is expected to get underway late this year.