Staff and enthusiasts from ten local councils, community groups, water authorities and government departments jumped on their bikes today to see the first successful works of their long-term “Living Links” project, while also doing their bit during Heart Week.
The ride saw over 40 people make their way through the Dandenong Creek nature corridor to view two of the projects recently undertaken. The enhancement of the Heatherdale Road Reserve has been managed by Maroondah Council and the restoration of habitat in Shepherds Bush and Napier Park was managed by Parks Victoria and the City of Monash, and six other Living Links projects are currently underway.
Living Links is a 20-year project to create an extensive web of pathways, nature corridors, parks, wetlands and open spaces across Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs from Belgrave to Cranbourne and Frankston. The project’s vision is to provide residents, workers and visitors with the chance to enjoy glorious bushwalks and invigorating bike rides across this mostly urban landscape; to create an urban ecosystem amongst the best in the world.
The councils, government agencies, environmental organisations and community groups are working together with the common purpose of making this area a great place to live, work and visit.
In its first year, Living Links has generated investment of nearly $1 million and undertaken projects at eight sites.
The joint ride symbolises the partnerships and collaboration that Living Links has established. It also provides a window to the future when many more nature corridors and pathways will be established for the community and the local wildlife to enjoy.
Living Links Coordinator Wade Bland says the bike tour marks a transition for Living Links.
“The bike ride is a celebration that the first steps of Living Links have been taken and sets the scene for many more in the future years.”
“The collaboration and long-term vision amongst councils, government and community groups has been fantastic in the start-up years. Now, Living Links is ready to partner with private sector companies to ramp-up and accelerate the on-ground work.”
“In the next financial year, we aim to increase the private sector investment in Living Links by $500,000 and increase it further in the ensuing years. This offers great opportunities for businesses to lead the way in this major environmental and community project, and partnership packages can be tailored to suit them.” |