Local walking and cycling enthusiasts, key organisations and government departments convened for the first time this week (08/12) as part of Council’s new Walking and Cycling Advisory Group.
Chaired by Councillor Grace La Vella the group will provide strategic advice to Council on the implementation of recommendations in the Central Goldfields Walking and Cycling Strategy 2017-2026.
Representatives from Sports Focus, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Department of Transport, Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation – Djaara, Parks Victoria, Committee for Maryborough and Victoria Police are also part of the Group.
Community members include Atrel Turner, Diane Daniell and Janice Simpson, with three additional community members to be confirmed shortly.
Some of the key focuses of the group will be:
- Promoting positive health and wellbeing through participation in walking and cycling
- Extending active transport options
- Attracting walking and cycling events to Central Goldfields
- Facilitating the development of walking and cycling maps
- Assisting Council to prepare public awareness material promoting walking and cycling infrastructure, events and activities
- Facilitating and further developing existing walking and cycling opportunities within the Shire with links to neighbouring shires
- Improving infrastructure for existing tracks, trails and pathways
- Exploring the potential for a commercial operator to develop walking and cycling tourist businesses
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor and Walking and Cycling Advisory Group Chairperson Grace La Vella said it was exciting to get the group together for the first time.
“We’ve been thrilled with the response and it’s exciting to have a group with so much local knowledge put their hand up to be involved.
“Our Shire is renowned for its various walking and cycling tracks, and so our role is to improve on the existing network and develop the Walking and Cycling tracks to be more user friendly and accessible to locals and visitors alike.”
