Want your trail? Vote now …It’s prime time, Mt Alexander
07 December, 2022
Every now and again the window opens for us to have a big impact. This month is one of those. If you want a world-class recreational trail through the Mt Alexander Shire from Castlemaine to Maryborough, then it’s prime time to tell the council.
Mt Alexander Shire Council wants residents – and visitors to the shire – to complete a short survey that tells them about their walking and cycling habits.
You can access the 5-minute survey here. Responses are due by early-January.
The survey asks a bunch of questions about how you get around the shire and your modes of transport. Questions 12 and 13 also ask you more general questions: perfect for responses about the trail.
For bonus points there’s also a map tool here that allows you to “pin” walking for cycling routes that you think are particularly important.
You could mention in your survey (or via your “pins”) how you’d like a trail that links Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead and beyond and how that would keep you and your family active, safe off the road, in touch with nature and better connected to other communities.
But we know you’re onto those things already, Trail Blazers, and you don’t need us to lead you by the nose 🙂
Responses from the survey will be used to shape the council’s 10-year Active Transport Strategy. The strategy is expected to be signed off by the council mid-year. The strategy will replace the council’s expired cycling and walking strategy.
The council has already gathered more than 100 surveys, but they’d love to crack the double ton before mid-January.
Council Active Communities project officer Steven Oliver has been tireless in leading survey gathering at communities across the shire, including Castlemaine, Chewton, Maldon and Newstead. Steven has also reached out to cycling and walking – and other – groups, including CMRT and Mt Alexander Cycling.
Steven has also convened an “ongoing reference group” so there’s ongoing dialogue about the council’s strategy over the next decade.
If you want to know more about “active transport” from the council click here.
The council’s Active Transport Strategy aims to take a more holistic view of “getting around” to include modes like disability scooters, dog walking, and walking with prams and to generate a clear framework for council, government and community investment.
Central Goldfields Shire Council set its 10-year cycling and walking strategy recently.
CMRT hopes this work keeps the two councils with eyes firmly on the trail and its tourism and social potential.
