Update on Creswick Trails and Hammon Park Trailhead

Published on 01 October 2021

Planning work is continuing on the Creswick Trails Network, an exciting project which will see delivery of 60km of mountain bike paths and a trailhead at Creswick.

Council expects works will begin next year.

Along with world-class mountain bike trails, the trailhead at Hammon Park will serve as a community and youth precinct focusing on accessible play, cycling safety, cyclocross, and a site for local, regional and national events.

Permits and consents for the trails to be built are going through the required process, and Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said Council is looking forward to constructing the projects once approvals are in place.

“This will be a great asset for our community, both offering locals the opportunity to get active and explore our beautiful bushland, and the economic benefits that come from people visiting our Shire,” said Cr Hewitt. 

Council has publicly advertised the planning permit and received a number of submissions.

While the planning permit process is undertaken, work is underway to finalise the construction documentation for tender. Once a permit is considered and approved, a construction tender will be advertised.

"We are expecting the tender to be advertised at the end of January 2022 and Council will consider awarding the contract at a Council meeting shortly thereafter.

“A lot of the process for constructing trails relies on approvals from other agencies, so we’re doing what we can to keep this project moving,” said Cr Hewitt.

“While the process may seem slow, it is a legislated and necessary part of the pre-construction work to ensure that what is built meets or exceeds requirements associated with constructing on Crown Land,” she said.

“We are grateful for the Victorian Government’s commitment of $2.1M towards the Hammon Park trailhead through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.”

The detailed design of the masterplan for the Hammon Park Trailhead is proceeding and is around 80% complete.

This provides the detail required for construction firms to quote and construct the trailhead. The masterplan includes details such as the precise location of features, services and paths, materials and testing details against known estimated costs.

“Once this work is complete we can release a construction tender for the trailhead. Should all go according to plan, we hope to award the contract at our December 2021 Council meeting, and that construction on the trailhead will start early next year.”

A tender to construct a new public toilet and Changing Places facility at Hammon Park is currently advertised, and closes in early October, with construction dates set around events scheduled for Hammon Park later in the year and contractor availability.

“We are committed delivering the Creswick Trails and Hammon Park trailhead. These important infrastructure projects will drive the economy in Creswick and surrounds,” said Cr Hewitt.

“This is particularly important considering the impact of COVID on local business, and we look forward to delivering these projects for the community,” said Cr Hewitt.

Stay up to date on the projects at www.creswicktrails.com.

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