Sarah Oliver
A second trail will be developed at the 1000+ steps site in Bacchus Marsh, thanks to a $1.6 million funding injection from the state government.
Regional Development Minister Mary-Ann Thomas visited the site on Wednesday to announce the funding which will help develop the 1001 Steps All Accessibility and Sculpture Trail.
“The 1001 steps trail and destination park will provide a terrific boost for local businesses and jobs. We know visitors will flock to the steps trails in large numbers,” Ms Thomas said.
The project is being backed through the Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The trails form part of the Bald Hill activation plan, creating a destination park and designed to increase visitation to Moorabool Shire.
Work has begun on the existing track which will reconstruct the Lerderberg walking trail, with 1000 steps leading to the Bald Hill lookout.
The reconstruction is to encourage exercise and recreation and will also incorporate art spaces.
The 1001 Steps trail will build on this attraction, with an accessible trail linking Telford Park to the Bald Hill lookout with views of the Moorabool Valley.
Works will also include additional car parking and the installation of sculptures at the beginning of the trail.
Once complete, the destination park is expected to drive new jobs and investment to the region and is forecast to attract up to 83,000 visitors to Darley each year, contributing $2 million to the local economy.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the trails will “further expand regional Victoria’s famed tourism offering”.
“It’s another fantastic attraction that will have flow-on benefits for many businesses in the region.”
