Official opening for Bald Hill third stage

THE third stage of Moorabool Shire Council’s Bald Hill redevelopment will be officially opened tomorrow, Saturday 13 December.

The Shire has arranged a community celebration to mark the opening, which is scheduled for 10am at the top of Bald Hill in the summit trail car park.

A free barbecue, free coffee van and a walk along the 2.5-kilometre summit trail with the artists behind the sculpture trail, which runs alongside it, are all on the agenda.

People planning on participating are encouraged to start their morning with the 1000+ Steps climb, departing from the Telford Park car park on Halletts Way, Darley, from 9am before joining the official proceedings.

Moorabool mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor encouraged everyone to explore what he described as an outstanding community asset.

“No matter if you prefer to walk or run, I encourage you to come and have a look at the completed Summit Trail and experience the 360-degree views of the Lerderderg National Park, You Yangs and even Melbourne,” he said.

Artists and council staff will lead a guided walk of the summit circuit after the formalities have been completed.

They will answer questions and share the stories behind the sculptures installed along the trail.

The barbecue and coffee van will be available from 9.45am to 11am.

Parking is limited at the summit trail so carpooling is encouraged where possible to help reduce congestion.

The Bald Hill precinct in Darley has been gradually redeveloped over the past four years to include an all-abilities trail, the 1000+ Steps and the summit trail.

The third stage of the official activation plan included development of a new car park and the all-abilities loop trail at the summit of Bald Hill.

The budget was $2.79 million, with the State Government contributing $2.11 million through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects Fund.

Stage three construction started in April last year and was completed in July this year.

A fourth stage is being planned.

Proposed uses for Bald Hill as a complete eco-tourism experience include cycle trails, walking trails and an adventure park, plus spaces for events, picnics, and food and beverage offerings.

It is ultimately expected to attract about 347,000 visitors annually, including 195,088 visitors from outside the residential catchment and 152,111 from within the catchment.