On a sunny Autumn Sunday, community members armed with hoes, rakes and secateurs came together intending to further improve the section of a former railway reserve near Hidden Valley and Wallan. The planned 10th April Sunday working bee, the third one held, was well attended by members of Wallan Environmental Group, Mitchell Bicycle User Group and Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail, all working hard having one goal in mind.
Various woody weeds, including large blackberry infestations, were in the sights of those involved as they further cleared sections of this former railway line’s reserve. The immediate goal is to have this section as an enjoyable walking and cycling pathway, through an amazing natural bushland reserve. Although much more work is still needed, the pathway is now usable by local residents. The bigger goal is to incorporate this pathway into an off road trail linking Wallan to Kilmore. Furthermore, parts of that route (if not all) will ultimately be included in the Wallan to Heathcote Rail Trail.
With Mitchell Shire council having already approved the rail trail feasibility study’s final positive report, discussions are continuing with the council in regards to planning aspects of the project (and hopefully a budget allocation) to further progress the development of the Wallan to Kilmore link.