By Peter Douglas
The anticipated Ridge Walk project continues to gather momentum, with calls for further funding and an extensive study planned.
The 14km walking trail will connect villages in the Dandenong Ranges via a series of pathways and networks, running through Ferny Creek, Sassafras, Olinda, Mount Dandenong and Kalorama.
The $5.8 million project will enable people to more easily walk the area, encouraging exercise and reducing traffic.
Another objective is to help make walking around the locality more interesting through highlighting the local places of historical and cultural interest.
Yarra Ranges Council has engaged with Bronywn Hanna History and Heritage, which will produce a cultural study that investigates the historically significant relationship between art and landscape.
The study, which highlights works by some of Australia’s most significant artists who drew inspiration from the Dandenong Ranges, will contribute to council’s approach to developing potential public art and heritage signage along the track.
Council Director of Social and Economic Development, Ali Wastie, said the study would set the overall narrative and drive the development of Council’s Ridge Walk Masterplan.
“Works from about 80 artists who lived and worked in the area will influence elements of the Ridge Walk design and potential commissioned artworks,” Ms Wastie said.
Council said the project will connect townships in the Dandenong Ranges and support the exploration of art, landscape and culture.
The Dandenongs appear in iconic artwork by Eugene Von Guerard, William Barak, Fredrick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.
Indigenous artist Lin Onus worked and painted in the area.
Fred Williams, who lived in Upwey and painted the Upwey landscape series, is known as one of the 20th century’s major landscape painters.
Study author Bronwyn Hanna said it was hard to think of any place outside of Australia’s metropolitan centres with such an impressive array of creative achievement as that of the Dandenong Ranges.
Meanwhile, La Trobe MP Jason Wood recently called on the Victorian Government to join the Federal Government in committing funds for the project.
In a speech to federal parliament, Mr Wood spoke of the benefits of the project.
“This project is also of great personal importance to me, given my commitment to create local jobs, along with supporting our community to keep active and healthy,” Mr Wood said.
“In 2016, the Turnbull Government made an election commitment of $2.5 million towards the project’s total $5.78 million cost.
“Now all that remains is for the State Labor to come to the table with a similar show of support.”
Mr Wood said it will have minimal environmental impact on the natural vegetation and will offer benefits not only to local residents, but also to the three million tourists who flock to the region each year.
Opportunities to learn more about the project and provide feedback are expected to take place in mid-February next year.
