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The Moorabool News – 7 June, 2022 Page 7
Open for business By Helen Tatchell Once a ‘bald hill’, the area has now been adorned with over 1000 steps and with Stage 1 and 2 completed and officially opened, Stage 3 just received budgeted funding from the state government. In wintery and icy conditions last week, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula announced $2.1 million to complete the third Stage. Situated on Bald Hill in Darley, the 1000+ steps Stage 3 project will include an allabilities trail at the summit, designed to capture 360-degree views across Moorabool and back towards Melbourne; six thematically designed sculptures, which will be located along the trail and provide a link to the sculpture trail at the base of the 1000+ Steps at Telford Park; and a car park constructed off Swans Road. “This funding, directly from the 2022/23 budget, will provide better access to the Bald Hill Summit,” Minister Pakula said. “The upgrade will support 11 jobs and will attract more than 146,000 additional visitors to Bacchus Marsh once it’s up and running. The activation of Bald Hill for Stage 3 will have lots of great new amenity as part of that, with incredible views over Moorabool with Melbourne also on the skyline. “This is a wonderful community facility, and these projects are great, not just to allow people to see around the beautiful vista but helps people to stay fit and well. This is a great opportunity for family walks, for picnics up the top and for the community to get together.” Mr Pakula said walking paths are really popular all over Melbourne and Victoria but this one, as the mayor said, it is inflation at work, 1000 plus steps not just 1000. The funding will ensure the project will be as good as it possibly can be. The Minister gave thanks to Council, as “these things can only be done as a partnership”. “Government can’t do them on their own and sometimes Council need some government support to make them a reality. This is really the epitome of working together. “When completed it will be a great asset to this community,” he said. And, once you have reached the top, there will be summit amenities including a trail, shelter, tables, seating, wayfinding, interpretive signage and accessible toilets. Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said this coming together of government and Council has seen something achieved for the community. “The connection to the 1000+ Steps will give visitors the opportunity to start their journey at either Telford Park or the summit where
Now, where to park? Parking will not be a major issue if you are considering to ‘park and step’ at the officially opened 1000+ steps in Darley, and it should lessen the impact on residential streets. Phil Jeffrey (MSC) General Manager Community Assets and Infrastructure said the ultimate start for the steps is in Telford Park. “The car park will be at the back of the scout hall with an existing car park already in place that Council will be expanding, with a new entry off Halletts Way.” Mr Jeffrey said in Stage 3 of the project, there will also be a carpark and accessibility trail at the top. “Accessibility trails will be at both Telford Park and the summit,” he said.
Minister Martin Pakula climbs the steps at Bald Hill. Photos – Helen Tatchell they will be rewarded with impressive views. “This is a fantastic project for our region, one that will substantially increase tourism in this area,” he said. “This will help people enjoy healthy lifestyles; to get out here and be able to walk up these steps will be a benefit to not only the locals, but the wider community as well.” The steps complement hundreds of tree plantings by volunteers over the years through Grow West. The project is due to be complete by mid-2024. Phase one of the redevelopment, which included the 1000+ Steps, rest stops, a lookout, and road crossings, is now open to the public and was funded by the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Minister Pakula was joined by Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, MSC CEO Derek Madden, Councillors Moira Berry and Tonia Dudzik, Member for Melton Steve McGhie and Council managers, for the announcement and official ribbon cutting.
Official ribbon cutting of the opening of the Bald Hill 1000+ steps project – Steve McGhie (Member for Melton), Minister Martin Pakula and Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan.
Detox your Home is coming to Daylesford & Ballan Dispose of everyday household chemicals such as bleach, pesticides, weed killers, cleaning products, cosmetics and cooking oil without harming your health or the environment. Register today for Sustainability Victoria’s free household chemical drop-off day, supported by Hepburn and Moorabool Shire Councils. For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/accepteditems
Daylesford Event
Ballan Event
Saturday 18 June 2022 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
Saturday 18 June 2022 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Daylesford Transfer Station and Landfill Ballan Transfer Station and Landfill 16 Ajax Road, Daylesford 118 Monteville Lane
To register sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome
1300 363 744
Detox your Home events are now drive-through and contactless, supported by a COVIDSafe plan.
Cr Tom Sullivan and CEO MSC Derek Madden at the viewing platform, overlooking Moorabool toward Melbourne.
Paint, batteries and fluorescent lights are not accepted at this event. For safety reasons we can’t accept containers of more than 20 litres or 20 kilograms. Please bring chemicals in their original packaging or in disposable containers.