October 5th, 2021Creswick trails update

The planning work is continuing on the Creswick Trails Network, a project which will see delivery of 60km of mountain bike paths and a trailhead at Creswick, with council expecting to begin works next year.

Along with the world class mountain bike trails, the trailhead at Hammon Park will serve as a community and youth precinct focusing on accessible play, cycling safety, cyclocross, and a site for local, regional and national events.

Permits and consents for the trails to be built are going through the required process, and Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said council was looking forward to constructing the projects once approvals are in place.

“This will be a great asset for our community, both offering locals the opportunity to get active and explore our beautiful bushland, and the economic benefits that come from people visiting our Shire,” Cr Hewitt said.

Council has publicly advertised the planning permit and received a number of submissions. 

While the planning permit process is undertaken, work is under way to finalise the construction documentation for tender.  Once a permit is considered and approved, a construction tender will be advertised at the end of January 2022. The council will consider awarding the contract at a council meeting shortly after that.

“A lot of the process for constructing trails relies on approvals from other agencies, so we’re doing what we can to keep this project moving,” Cr Hewitt said.

“While the process may seem slow, it is a legislated and necessary part of the pre-construction work to ensure that what is built meets or exceeds requirements associated with constructing on Crown Land.”

The detailed design of the masterplan for the Hammon Park Trailhead is proceeding and is around 80% complete. This necessary step provides the detail required for construction firms to quote and construct the trailhead.

The masterplan includes details such as the precise location of features, services and paths, materials and testing details against known estimated costs.

Link: www.creswicktrails.com.