Trail to health

By Tania Martin
MORE than 40 local residents took a hike on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the Emerald to Cockatoo trail.
Covering the first leg of the trail from Puffing Billy Station in Kilvington Drive, Emerald, was an array of residents from scouts to community groups, mothers and children on bikes.
The day was a great opportunity for people to get out and stretch their legs, meet new people and enjoy the launch of the trail.
Cardinia mayor Garry Runge and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato officially opened the $605,000 trail at Emerald Lake Park, which was followed by morning tea at the newly refurbished Emerald Lake Cafe.
Council general manager of community wellbeing Fiona Hodges said the EmeraldCockatoo trail was a shire project jointly funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
The trail has taken four years from conception stage to get up and running.
Ms Hodges said the trail has been planned since 2000, when the shire’s recreational openspace strategy identified a multiuse trail as a “very high” priority for the townships.
“It will provide a much needed safe link between the towns for local children and hills residents of all ages, as well as a potential tourist attraction,” Ms Hodges said.
“Taking a jog, ride or walk down the trail local residents will find the track a manageable 5.4 kilometres to Cockatoo with the beautiful countryside providing a great setting for a bit of light exercise.”