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Vic Cycling Strategy A MisnomerThe Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy launched this week should be renamed the Melbourne Cycling Strategy. By The Nationals’ Member for Morwell - 30th March 2009 - Back to News Mr Northe said he was bitterly disappointed that Gippsland failed to rate a mention in the strategy, as a number of local projects including the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail and a network of paths connecting local townships, warranted state government support.
"The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail has the potential to be a wonderful tourism and recreation asset for our region but the project desperately needs funds to bring it up to the standard of other trails across the state," Mr Northe said.
"Regions elsewhere in Victoria have benefited greatly from government support of their rail trail infrastructure and it is high time our region and our trail received similar backing.
The Morwell MP continued to promote a bike path network as a transport alternative and opportunity to encourage active lifestyle choices.
"A system of bike paths linking Latrobe Valley towns would encourage residents to alter their commuting habits and provide increased opportunities for physical activity," explained Mr Northe.
"Latrobe City’s Bicycle Plan 2007-2010 lists a range of priority projects that contribute to such a network, any of which the Brumby government could and should have chosen to endorse.
"Latrobe Valley residents have a lower life expectancy than the rest of Victoria and proactive leadership is needed to address some of the contributing factors.
"Here was an opportunity for the Brumby government to provide funding to accelerate some of these projects, promote a healthy, vibrant community and lessen the financial burden on Council and ratepayers but yet again this city-centric government let us down."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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