Provide feedback on planned improvements to Ballarat East trails

Residents can now provide feedback on proposed changes to walking and cycling trails in Ballarat East.  

The City of Ballarat is in the early stages of planning improvements to the trail network, designed to increase safety and accessibility for recreational active transport users in the area and is seeking community input to progress the designs.  

When complete, these projects will provide walking and cycling options from the Yarrowee River Trail in Brown Hill to Sovereign Hill in Golden Point, or from Sturt Street in the CBD to Woowookarung Regional Park in Canadian, and a continuation of the Warrenheip Gully Trail.

Changes to the trail network in Ballarat East include:  

• Project one: Queen Street North – connecting the Bunny Trail to the Yarrowee River Trail  
• Project two: connecting Bunny Trail to Pennyweight Gully-Sparrow Ground Trail
• Project three: connecting Warrenheip Gully Trail to Sparrow Ground
• Project four: connecting Pennyweight Gully to Sovereign Hill via Lake Esmond.  

The project will also see the installation of safe crossing treatments at some locations, increased shade and tree planting, and increased amenities along the trails, such as rest areas.  

This is the first of two rounds of consultation on the Ballarat East Trails and Connections project. Community members can get involved in the first stage of consultation via MySay. The second round of consultation, which will occur in the following months, will provide community members with an opportunity to attend drop-in sessions to have their say.

Improving the Ballarat East trail network is one of the actions outlined in the Ballarat East Local Area Plan.  

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor encouraged Ballarat East residents and beyond to view the plans and provide feedback.  

“Improving connections throughout Ballarat East will make these spaces more accessible for recreational and active transport users,” he said.  

“However, we need to get these plans right. That’s why I’d encourage community members to view the plans and let us know what you think.”  

Residents can provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Ballarat East trails network via the MySay page until 30 April.