Moorabool News 14 Dec 2021

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Moorabool News The

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Tuesday 14 December, 2021

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Vol 15 No 49

A step or two in the right direction

Stage 1 of the 1000+ steps on Bald Hill is under construction and Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas announced funding for Stage 2 of the project, in the company of Deputy Mayor Cr Tonia Dudzik and MSC GM Phil Jeffrey. Photo – Helen Tatchell By Lachlan Ellis Plans for a new Moorabool trail are one step closer to reality, with a huge investment announced by the State Government last week. Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited the site for the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps on Wednesday 8 December, announcing a further $1.6 million in funding for Stage 2, bringing the total State Government investment for the project to $2.1 million. “This is a really great example of a project where State Government and Council work very closely together to deliver for the people of the Moorabool Shire, but even beyond,” Ms Thomas said. “What we’re seeing after COVID, is that more than ever before, Melburnians just want to get out. And we’ve got to create a destination and an experience for them…what we have for them here with the 1000+ Steps project is exactly that.” Minister Thomas said, “jobs are at the absolute foundation of everything this Government does, and this project will generate 18 jobs during construction.” Council CEO Derek Madden said the 1000+ Steps complemented Council’s plans for the health of residents.

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“We’ve recently finished the Health and Wellbeing Plan, and number one for women was walking tracks. This project really ties in with that, it ticks all the boxes for us,” Mr Madden said. As well as the steps themselves, the works will include additional car parking and the installation of sculptures at the beginning of the trail. It is forecast that, once complete, the 1000+ Steps will attract up to 83,000 visitors each year, contribution $2 million to the local economy. So far, 250 of the 1000+ Steps have been installed. The spectacular views from the top of the trail take in the Macedon and Dandenong Ranges with the You Yangs to the south. Minister Thomas was asked by the Moorabool News how damaging the landscape would look like with high voltage power transmission lines scattered through 60 kilometres of the Moorabool Shire. “The process is being led by AEMO and the most important thing for the community is to participate in the EES process. AusNet have not made their decision yet,” Minister Thomas responded. Minister Thomas was joined by local State MP Steve McGhie (Melton), Crs Moira Berry, Ally Munari, and Deputy Mayor Cr Tonia Dudzik, who exclaimed the funding, and the project, were “fantastic”.

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STAGE 1 Includes the construction of the 1000+ steps, rest areas, lookout, landscaping and ancillary works. Is fully funded and currently under construction and expected to be completed by March 2022. STAGE 2 Includes the construction of the trail head for the steps, sculptures, carpark and accessibility trails all at Telford Park. Is fully funded and currently in the design phase and will commence construction mid-2022. STAGE 3 Is a planned summit trail at the top of Bald Hill and is currently not funded.

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Moorabool News 14 Dec 2021 by The Moorabool News - Issuu