Latrobe City Council are pleased to announce the Traralgon-Morwell Shared Pathway is officially open – a 14 kilometre, 2.5 metre wide shared pathway to help cyclists and walkers safely commute between the townships of Traralgon and Morwell.
The occasion was celebrated with an Official Opening event in Morwell. Distinguished guests included Senator Raff Ciccone who attended on behalf of the Australian Government and the Hon Darren Chester MP who attended on behalf of the Federal Government.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan was also present, and shared that the pathway has enabled residents to live healthy lives in a safe, diverse, and resilient community.
“This pathway is giving all community members an active travel route that is accessible and convenient. We expect the number of pedestrian and cyclist movements will be in the thousands, with some using the path to commute to work and others using it to explore the region.”
“Establishing infrastructure like this in our region provides a new opportunity for physical activity engagement, which aligns with the goals of Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Living Well Latrobe,” said the Mayor.
“This four-year plan is about finding ways to build on our strengths to enhance health and wellbeing for all and help to remove barriers so that we can be a diverse community that is stronger together.”
The pathway connects into the existing path at the top of Kay Street in Traralgon and runs right through to the Morwell Railway Station. It provides access for bicycles, pedestrians, and mobility devices, with concrete surfacing in urban areas and gravel in rural areas.
The construction of the Traralgon to Morwell Shared Path project was fully funded by TAC’s Safer Cycling and Pedestrian Fund and the Federal Government’s Community Development Fund, which was kindly secured by the Hon Darren Chester MP. The total cost of the project was $4.55 million.
This project commenced from a desire by the Traralgon and Morwell Peddlers Society (TRAMPS) advocating for a shared path between Traralgon and Morwell. The TRAMPS are a local cycling club that encourage safe group riding for all levels in our community.
This project has formed part of the Latrobe City path network which seeks to provide a safe environment where members of the community can enjoy recreational exercise through walking and/or cycling. Council is looking to increase this network and will continue advocating for federal and state government support.
For more information about this pathway, please visit Council’s website: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/City/Roads_Drains_Lights_and_Trees/Paths