The City of Greater Bendigo and the Shire of Campaspe are set to undertake a $30,000 study to assess the feasibility of developing a unique, 95 kilometre ‘Goldfields to the Murray’ walking and cycling trail to link Bendigo and Echuca.
Located in Central Victoria, Bendigo has a rich history built up from the gold rush in the 1850s. Art, culture, food, wine and heritage attractions are in abundance.
Just under 100 kilometres north of Bendigo, Echuca in the Shire of Campaspe is a regional centre, separated from New South Wales by the Murray River. Echuca was once home of the busiest port in Australia, and still maintains its historic and heritage feel. Tourism is a major industry for the town, with many year round opportunities, such as paddlesteamer rides, houseboat hire, fishing, canoeing and waterskiing.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Councillor David Jones, said that through the study, recommendations on the best possible route for the trail, and the works and signage that are needed to develop it, will be analysed.
“In addition, the study will also identify all points of interest along the route and provide options for logos and marketing material to identify and promote the trail,” he said.
“There are a number of trails in our region, and the development of a new Goldfields to Murray trail would certainly enhance these existing trails.
“This trail represents an opportunity to create a cross municipal connection that not only links the major centres of Bendigo and Echuca, but also the smaller rural townships of Goornong, Elmore and Rochester.”
Shire of Campaspe Mayor, Councillor John Elborough, said that the tourism potential of the trail is huge for both municipalities.
“Studies have found that people who use walking and cycling trails spend an average of $258 per day,” he said.
“It is great to see projects that have been identified in the walking and cycling strategies of both Campaspe and Greater Bendigo move to the development stage. This project in particular has been driven through the Central Regional Tracks and Trails network, which has demonstrated that by working in partnership, more can be achieved than by working in isolation.”
For further information on the feasibility study contact Mark Powell at the City of Greater Bendigo on (03) 5434 6388 or Anna Druce at the Shire of Campaspe on (03) 5481 2247.
