Get on the trail

A FIVE-kilometre trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders has opened to the public.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson officially opened the trail along the former Cardinia aqueduct last fortnight after six years of planning and negotiations.
The trail follows the route of the former Bunyip Main Race from Thewlis Road to Dickie Road in Officer.
Melbourne Water transferred ownership of the Thewlis Road to Dickie Road section to Cardinia Shire Council in 2005, at no cost, for development of the multi-purpose trail and to conserve the heritage values of the aqueduct.
Council established a steering committee of interested local residents and employed EDAW Gillespie Consulting to advise and work with the committee and council on its development.
Cr Pearson said the new trail represented a $250,000 investment for the community and added to the recreation and leisure opportunities for Cardinia Shire residents.
A car park for 22 vehicles and horse floats has been built at Thewlis Road.
The project team will explore options to extend the trail to Toomuc Creek in the east and Cardinia Creek to the west.