Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, today announced $100,000 in State funds for the construction of a shared cycling and pedestrian pathway in Maffra.  Tim is pictured with Wellington Shire Council CEO, David Morcom, and members of the Maffra community at today’s announcement.

The Victorian Coalition Government is investing $100,000 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to complete a path network for cyclists and pedestrians in Maffra, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced today.

Mr Bull said the McLean Street Maffra Shared Pathway project would connect residential areas with the hospital and major facilities in the town.

“Maffra is home to just over 5,000 people, and is the centre of the Macalister agricultural, cattle and dairy farming region,” Mr Bull said.

“This project will build an east-west connection between existing pathways within the township to form a network that connects key community facilities and improves transport options for Maffra residents.

“The 2.5-metre-wide pathway will suit pedestrians and cyclists, and run the length of McLean Street.

“The new path will enable safe, off-road walking and cycling between the Maffra Recreation Reserve, Maffra wetlands, Victoria Park and the Cameron Sporting Complex.

“It will also link residential areas to the hospital and senior citizens club, and provide access to the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.

“By developing a safe and accessible path for pedestrians and cyclists, the project will encourage active living in Maffra,” he said.

Mr Bull said Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $300,300 McLean Street Maffra Shared Pathway project would be provided through the Regional Growth Fund to Wellington Shire Council, which would contribute the remaining $200,000.

“The Regional Growth Fund invests in community-led projects to drive jobs, investment and innovation in rural and regional Victoria,” Mr Bull said.

“Since it was established in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has invested in almost 1,800 local projects in communities outside Melbourne, generating almost $2 billion of total investment.”

The project is expected to be complete in March 2015.