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Morwell-Traralgon Bike Path Project Back To Square One The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe last week raised his concerns in State Parliament regarding the ongoing battle to establish a Morwell to Traralgon bike path link. By Russell Northe - 6th October 2010 - Back to News This follows an unsuccessful funding application by Latrobe City to VicRoads for the purpose of undertaking a feasibility study to construct a Morwell to Traralgon bike path.
Despite being supported by groups such as Traralgon and Morwell Peddlers (TRAMPS), Bicycle Victoria and Latrobe City Business Tourism Association (LCBTA), the application under the "Network & Asset Planning – Bicycle Facilities Project" through VicRoads was unsuccessful.
"The State Government’s very own "Victorian Cycling Strategy" highlights the importance of completing links in regional centres and the outer metropolitan area," said Mr Northe.
"It also stated that "there is a need to upgrade and complete missing links in the off-road and on-road bicycle networks in many cities and towns of regional Victoria including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Benalla and the Latrobe Valley.
Mr Northe said he was bemused as to why the application was unsuccessful given the health, social and environmental benefits that the project would bring to the region.
"I have directed this query to Latrobe City Council who administered the application, and also with the Minister for Roads and Ports for an explanation and guidance as to why this project has now gone unsupported."
Mr Northe highlighted the community’s involvement in trying to get the project off the ground, including the petition being circulated by TRAMPS demanding funding for the bike path development.
"There are many people within the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland community who want to see this project come to fruition, and I appreciate their persistence and their passion.
"I urge all members of the community to sign this petition, which I will table during the last sitting week of Parliament next month.
"It is a crying shame that the Brumby Government has chosen to ignore the Latrobe Valley once again, especially when it’s a project with so many obvious benefits for our community.
"This is an important development for the region, and I will be pursuing it until I see the project completed."
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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