Lerderderg River trail: Walkers back on track

Bushwalkers can enjoy close to five kilometres of Moorabool’s trails again following completion of the Lerderderg River walking trail.

The trail was opened on September 1 as part of a Moorabool council flood recovery project that started in 2011 after heavy rain took its toll.

It covers 4.8 kilometres, including the Werribee River, Caledonian Park and Links Road drainage reserve.

Bacchus Marsh and District trails advisory committee founding member Leon Newton said the trails would be great for outdoor activities, especially in the warmer months.

“The value of these trails to a community is important,” he said.

“They provide walking and cycling for a healthy lifestyle, and they’re environmentally friendly and safe.”

RELATED

Lerderderg Park: Lost Werribee trio survive night on Twisties

Council engineering services manager Sam Romaszko said the aim was to increase public safety and reduce ongoing maintenance, given vast sections of the existing paths were close to the river beds and below flood level.

“For the most part, these objectives have been achieved and the community now has these great recreational assets to enjoy,” Ms Romaszko said.

The trail’s restoration is the last of about 46 flood recovery projects, with the initial focus having been on restoring infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

Work estimated to have cost $18.8 million was done in the past three years, the biggest task being drainage restoration works in Wallace and Leila Road, Bacchus Marsh, and replacement work on the S Conroy Road bridge in Bunding.