PLANNING is underway to link the existing Red Hill Rail Trail to a new trail running through Merricks, Balnarring and Bittern.
Three concept designs have been drawn for a walkers, cyclists and horse riders to share a path between Bittern station and Merricks Station Reserve connecting with the existing seven-kilometre track.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is holding an “interactive drop in session” to gather community feedback on the proposed route and design of the trail, including signs, pedestrian crossings, furniture, planting and materials.
The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said council is committed to “developing a connected and mobile community through council’s bicycle and roadside Equestrian and mountain bike trails strategies.
“This is a great opportunity to extend a shared trail from Red Hill to Bittern and encourage connected, active lives for our community members,” he said.
Cr Kate Roper said “extending the rail trail will create a safe link between Bittern, Balnarring and Merricks and improve access and connections to the public transport network as well as providing further opportunity for connection of equestrian trails”.
Members of the public wanting to have a say on the trail plan wan go to Balnarring Hall 5pm-7pm Wednesday 14 March or comment online from Wednesday 14 March at mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Submissions close Friday 13 April.
First published in the Western Port News – 6 March 2018
