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Darebin Creek Link

The proposed bridge across the Yarra is a vital connection that will link the Darebin Trail to the Yarra Trail.

It would not only provide a vastly wider choice for recreational riders from and to our northern neighbours but open up far more opportunities for commuting as a rideable alternative to the unrideable Chandler Highway Bridge.

If you would like to support the bridge then let the council know.

email the council now -->

2030

Connecting the Yarra trail and the Darebin Trail is State Government policy under 2030. See Direction 5.7.5

Why the Darebin Bridge Location has no Alternatives

The following map outlines the options which have been considered and subsequently ruled out. Click on the map markers for more information about the shortcomings of the various alternate routes shown on the map: Map of the various suggested alternative routes.

Current Status

7 April 2010

Another three years to complete? Northcote Leader 7 Apr 2010 Darebin cyclists frustrated and Progress Press 27 Apr 2010 Bike path bridge too far away. Parks Victoria - what's the hold up?

5 August 2009, VCAT Decision

• VCAT hands down decision in favour of Darebin Creek - Main Yarra Trail link.
• Completion of the bridge and associated paths are now (Aug 2009) estimated to be completed in two years or so.

Boroondara Council vote in favour

On 17 June 2008 Boroondara Council voted 5 to 4 in favour of granting a permit for a bridge and a path to Parks Victoria. All three Councils: Boroondara, Banyule and Yarra are now in agreement. Parks Victoria is talking the matter to VCAT to resolve any outstanding objections.

Nov 2007 Willsmere Chandler Park report now in

Dr Graeme Lorimer has presented to the City of Boroondara his report on the likely environmental impact of the proposed bridge linking the Darebin Creek Trail to the Yarra Trail at the Parks Victoria preferred location in Willsmere-Chandler Park. The report finds that construction of the bridge and associated path poses few risks to the environment, and that there are acceptable solutions to those that it does pose. Unsurprisingly he identifies dogs off-leads as a more serious threat to the environmental values of the park, and more specifically to the Billabong. See the full text of Dr Lorimer's report at:

Willsmere Chandler Park assessment

Progress Leader article on the report

Sep 2007 Planning Permit Applications are now in

Parks Victoria have lodged the applications with Boroondara, Yarra, and Banyule Councils. We are looking forward to council reviewing this issue. Hopefully Council will soon have the updated environmental Lorimer report so councillors have all the facts before them to make a clear decision.

The campaign has attracted local press from both sides of the river

July 2007 Darebin Link makes the news. The Age ran two excellent stories on:

• rising commuter numbers, and also
• about the Darebin Bridge

Apparently Latrobe Golf Course are " very supportive of the concept...". Also of note is that the environmental consultant, Dr Lorimer, is about to hand council a specific report on any potential impact of the proposed trail. Given that Parks Victoria and Dept of Sustainability & Environment have already given written assessments that there will be no environmental impact we look forward to the arrival of Dr Lorimer's report as it has been the ambiguity of previous summary reports that path opponents have been able to clutch their hopes on. This report should enable council to have the clarity they need to make a decision, once the applications are lodged by Parks Victoria.