By Tyler Wright
Hills locals now have access to an extra 800 metres of walking track on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, with a new track extension in Clematis now open to the public.
The new trail forms part of the 14.5 kilometre multi-use trail running from Gembrook to Cockatoo and runs along Emerald’s Puffing Billy Railway.
At the trail’s opening on Thursday 25 May behind the Paradise Valley Hotel, Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford said it was an “exciting day for both the local and wider community” coming together to celebrate the addition to an “already great” walking trail.
“This trail gives us a chance to walk alongside Victoria’s favourite train, the Puffing Billy, and take in the incredible sights of Cardinia Shire and its surrounds,” Mayor Radford said.
“Locals and tourists will now have an extra 800 metres of walking trail to use, so I encourage you to get out on a sunnier day than today and stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh air of the ranges and utilise a great walking trail we have right here on our doorstep.”
The project was jointly funded by the State Government, who contributed $200,000 as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund, with Cardinia Shire Council providing $100,000 through the 2022/2023 Capital Works Program.
“This finalises Cardinia Shire Council’s involvement in the project, and I have no doubt that Cardinia Shire residents will be very excited to make use of this new upgrade,” the Mayor said.
Future connections to the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail are expected to continue in the Yarra Ranges local government area.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton thanked Cardinia Shire Council for including the ranges portion of the trail as far as Menzies Creek’s Puffing Billy station and beyond.
“It makes a lot of geographic sense to have that last bit included and it will meet up with parts of our area,“ Cr Skelton said.
