A step or two in the right direction

By Lachlan Ellis

Plans for a new Moorabool trail are one step closer to reality, with a huge investment announced by the State Government last week.

Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited the site for the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps on Wednesday 8 December, announcing a further $1.6 million in funding for Stage 2, bringing the total State Government investment for the project to $2.1 million.

“This is a really great example of a project where State Government and Council work very closely together to deliver for the people of the Moorabool Shire, but even beyond,” Ms Thomas said.

“What we’re seeing after COVID, is that more than ever before, Melburnians just want to get out. And we’ve got to create a destination and an experience for them…what we have for them here with the 1000+ Steps project is exactly that.”

Minister Thomas said, “jobs are at the absolute foundation of everything this Government does, and this project will generate 18 jobs during construction.”

Council CEO Derek Madden said the 1000+ Steps complemented Council’s plans for the health of residents.

“We’ve recently finished the Health and Wellbeing Plan, and number one for women was walking tracks. This project really ties in with that, it ticks all the boxes for us,” Mr Madden said.

As well as the steps themselves, the works will include additional car parking and the installation of sculptures at the beginning of the trail.

It is forecast that, once complete, the 1000+ Steps will attract up to 83,000 visitors each year, contribution $2 million to the local economy.

So far, 250 of the 1000+ Steps have been installed.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2021-12-14/1

in the 14 December 2021 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.