A tourist track connecting Bacchus Marsh to Daylesford is in such a state of disrepair that maps of the track are no longer being sold.
The Lerderderg Track, an 80-kilometre stretch of the Great Dividing Trail that starts at Bacchus Marsh railway station, will be subject to a three-day audit early next year to determine how much work is needed to make it a major attraction for walkers and cyclists.
Hiker Darren Edwards has volunteered to assess the section from Blackwood into the Lerderderg State Park, with another volunteer to examine the stretch from Lake Daylesford to Blackwood.
Mr Edwards said the track had been treated like a bit of a ‘‘poor cousin’’ compared to other trails in the area, and there were fears the Great Dividing Trail Association was looking to close it down. The audit will consider track alignment, conditions and signage.
“We’ll prepare a report for council, then petition for federal funding to get the track back up for public use,” Mr Edwards said.
Bacchus Marsh District Trails Advisory Committee secretary Colin Evans said the path was not well defined. “We need to raise awareness that we’re going to lose this important tourism feature if we don’t take action.”
Great Dividing Trail Association president Barry Golding said many sections of the track had been battered by floods, bushfires and a lack of proper maintenance.
“The track needs to be of a good quality, well marked and safe, and the dialogue between all relevant bodies needs to improve.”
Moorabool councillor John Spain said people were still walking sections of the track, but it needed ‘‘love and attention’’.
“It needs a little bit of care and regular maintenance. I’d ask the community to step up and show their support.”
Mr Edwards said the track’s alignment, winding through the streets of Bacchus Marsh, was one of its downfalls. He suggested scenic areas such as Mackenzies Flat should be linked to the path.
“People who are interested in hiking aren’t looking for suburban streets,” he said.
