By Michael Doran
Saturday 30 March was a very good day for the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenongs Ranges regions, when Member for Casey Tony Smith announced a further $10 million in federal funding for the Rivers and Ridges project, adding to the $5.3 million previously committed.
Speaking at the announcement, Tony Smith said that the total commitment of $15.3 million will ensure that the project becomes a reality, with Stage 1 now fully funded.
“I’m thrilled that we have been successful in delivering significant funding for this very ambitious project, conceived and ultimately delivered by Yarra Ranges council,” he said. “The project will bring many new opportunities to the region, generating more than 500 jobs and $80 million in economic activity into the local communities.”
“With over 160 kilometres of mountain biking, cycling and walking trails, this project will bring untold benefits to our entire region; from the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley and from the Upper Yarra River to Warburton,” Mr Smith added. “It will continue to make our region one of the premier tourism destinations in Victoria.”.
Mr Smith particularly thanked Councillor Jim Child for his tireless efforts in championing the project and for his advocacy of the benefits to the local community to government ministers who had visited the region.
Cr Child highlighted the efforts by the council staff and community leaders over an extended period of time to get the project to the starting line and thanked local community organisations who have contributed $440,000 to the package.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Tony Stevenson said that projects of this scale can only be delivered in partnership with community and federal and state governments.
“We’re proud of and thankful for the support we’ve received for these projects at every level, from the Federal and State Governments and our local elected representatives, right through to residents, community groups and local businesses,” he said.
Cr Stevenson said that the additional funding from the Federal Government completes the funding for Stage 1 of Rivers and Ridges, ensuring that the council can now push on with delivering the project.
The secured funding of $34.24 million will deliver the first stages of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and the Yarra Valley Trail from Lilydale to Yarra Glen, along with the RidgeWalk across the Dandenongs and the Warburton Community Recreation Precinct.
Tenders have already been awarded for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and the Yarra Valley Trail and the tender for the Warburton Community Recreation Precinct closes in April. The masterplan for the RidgeWalk is in the final stages of development with funding of $9.8 million allocated.
The Rivers and Ridges trails will complement the Lilydale-Warburton rail Trail which the council says attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year, growing by more than 20 per cent annually.
Whilst there are many aspects to be finalised, the news that Rivers and Ridges is now fully funded and tenders are being awarded is a great boost to the Yarra Ranges region and a shining example of how cooperation at all levels of government and community can work successfully.
