Vic Government announces funding for Peninsula Rail Trail

From the Minister for Roads & Ports

Friday, 27 August 2010

Cyclists and walkers benefit from an extension to the Peninsula Link Trail, a new off-road path being constructed as part of the $759 million freeway project.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said nearly three kilometres of extra path would be added to the new trail, making it 25 kilometres in length to cater for the growing number of people walking and cycling in the area.

“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to investing in new infrastructure and creating more opportunities for sustainable travel and recreation,” Mr Pallas said.

“Previously, plans for the path ended just south of Baxter and we are extending it so people can travel along the disused Mornington Tourist Rail and across Moorooduc Highway into Mt Eliza Regional Park and the tourist railway station.

“This path has been identified as a priority for the local trail network as part of a longer term connection into Mornington and we are filling in a piece of the puzzle by building a tricky section and providing a crossing at Moorooduc Highway.”

Mr Pallas said a significant amount of planning had gone into the path given the area was low lying and sometimes subject to flooding.

“We have done a lot of work to make sure this path is accessible to people all year round so elevated sections will be provided and new traffic signals will be installed at Moorooduc Highway to help people cross the road safely,” he said.

Member for Frankston Alistair Harkness said the Peninsula Link project was more than just a freeway, with the walking and cycling path just one of the community enhancements people could expect to see over the next few years.

“We are investing significantly in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve by revegetating 16 hectares of land and improving local waterways like Tamarisk Creek, which will have a more natural flow as a result of the Peninsula Link works,” Mr Harkness said.

Around 24 hectares of land on Ballarto Road, which was formally used as a research facility, has also been added to the existing Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve.

“We have reserved the former Keith Turnbull Research Institute land as an area of Ecological Significance, meaning it will be preserved for generations to come as part of the wider Pines Reserve.” Mr Harkness said.

“The local art community is also a big winner, with plans underway for a sculpture competition every two years with the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park which has formed a unique partnership with private operator, Southern Way.”

Peninsula Link will be a 27-kilometre freeway that will slash travel times to just 17 minutes between Carrum Downs and Mt Martha. The Peninsula Trail is going through detailed design, with construction to be completed in early 2013 along with the opening of Peninsula Link.

Click here to see the original Media release.