In August 2013, the Free Press reported that works had begun on the first section of the “long-awaited and much anticipated” Kyabram Walking and Cycling Trail.
Just over 11 years later, on September 16, 2024, Campaspe Shire Council announced the conclusion to construction of the second section of the Breen Ave Dual Walking Trail.
The Kyabram community can breathe a sigh of relief following its completion, with cyclists, runners and walkers already gracing the 1.78km track that connects the paths from Cooma Rd and Allan St.
The path has been known as Kyabram’s “missing link” since progress on the path faltered pending approval from Victoria’s transport infrastructure authority VicTrack, which owns the land.
The $900,000 project was jump-started once again in March 2023 when Kyabram-Deakin ward Cr Daniel Mackrell presented a 900-signature petition at a council meeting urging the path’s completion.
In June 2024, Mayor Rob Amos announced that final approvals from stakeholders to further the walking track’s construction had been received. Shortly after, work finally began on Kyabram’s most awaited project.
Council acting chief executive Michael Sharp said he was thankful for the Kyabram community’s patience and highlighted that their diligence and input had been imperative to the project.
“It has been a long-standing community ambition to have this completed and we would like to extend thanks to the community for their patience during the development of this project,” Mr Sharp said.
Council has consulted with the Kyabram Development Committee throughout the Breen Ave project’s process.
Committee president Tania Chiswell said she was pleased to see the path completed after years of development.
“It’s been really rewarding to get the project up and finished, given how long this walking track’s been in the pipeline” she said.
“I’ve been in the development committee for a long time, and it’s always been on the list.”
However, she expressed reservations regarding the changes to the intersection at the south end of the walking track, and the positioning of the fence along the rail line rather than against the road where cars can drive up to 100km/h up to the Cooma Rd, Bolitho Rd and Breen Ave intersection.
Mr Sharp urged pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be aware of changed traffic conditions at the intersection.
The intersection came under review in August 2024 and was deemed unsafe by multiple council officers who recalled drivers “electing to drive on the wrong side of the road”.
In response to the review, council announced that an independent safety audit had recommended the addition of a third island to the east side of Cooma Rd, prior to the intersection.
In time for the official completion of the shared path, a third island has been put in place, along with a new ‘give way’ sign to assist in directing traffic safely.
The project was part of a larger initiative called the Kyabram Walking and Cycling Strategy, which was developed in 2004 through community consultation hoping to connect the town through various paths.
It began with construction of pathways on South Boundary Rd, the creation of a new trail on Lake Rd to link to Fenaughty St, and upgrades to the already existing track on South Boundary Rd and Kyabram-Cooma Rd before heading east and connecting into Breen Ave.
“The new walking and cycling path will help bring people together, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and support a more connected community,” Mr Sharp said.