Plans for a $19.3 million trail through Plenty Gorge Park in Melbourne’s thriving north-east have been revealed and the local community are being asked to have their say.

Running between the Bundoora RMIT campus and Doreen, the Plenty River Trail will enable more people to experience the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the park, including wetlands, native bush and historic sites.

The investment is part of the Victorian Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will deliver 6500 hectares of new and upgraded, accessible green space for Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs.

The shared-use trail will include connections with new railway stations at Hawkstowe and Mernda and improved links to existing walking and cycling paths through the park.

The views of more than 1,000 people who took park in community engagement last year have been considered in the designs.

Highlights include one new and one existing refurbished bridge across the Plenty River, new walking and cycling trails, six new lookouts and an upgrade for the Hawkstowe Picnic area.

Community members can have their say through the engage.vic.gov.au/plenty-river-trail from 9 June until 11 July 2021.

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The new Plenty River Trail will link communities on both sides of the river and create new opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Plenty Gorge Park.”

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“I urge everyone who lives near the Plenty River to have a say on the draft design and contribute to making the new trail the best it can be.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks

“This major investment will give locals more opportunity to relax, stretch the legs and connect with nature.”