Community feedback invited on draft Walking and Cycling Strategy

Published on 27 August 2026

Central Goldfields Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy 2026–2030.

The updated Strategy sets out a clearer, more connected and financially sustainable approach to improving walking and cycling across the Shire – including Maryborough, Bealiba, Carisbrook, Dunolly and Talbot.

Supported by funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the review ensures alignment with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 and reflects Council’s current strategic objectives, Asset Plan and Long‑Term Financial Plan.

The Strategy focuses on maintaining and renewing the Shire’s existing 63.6km network of footpaths and shared paths, while identifying and prioritising where new links are needed to maximise connectivity. It highlights that an additional 39.9km of bike and shared walking/cycling paths are required to connect key work, school and recreation destinations — at an estimated cost of $14.655 million.

Mayor Cr Ben Green said the Strategy provides a practical and strategic framework for maintaining, improving and extending the Shire’s walking and cycling network.

“The scale of investment required exceeds Council’s current financial capacity, so securing State and Federal Government funding will be necessary to achieving many of the Strategy’s longer‑term objectives if we want to deliver a connected, accessible and safe walking and cycling network across our Shire. Our focus is on maintaining and renewing the existing foot and shared path network. Future expansion will be prioritised based on demonstrated community need, strategic significance, safety benefits and the availability of funding.”

Cr Green encouraged residents, stakeholder groups and community organisations to share their views.

“We want to hear from residents, stakeholder groups and others about where they think the cycling and walking path gaps are, and whether we’ve got our priorities right within the context of our constrained budget. Your feedback will assist Council in validating the proposed actions, identifying any gaps and finalising the Strategy for formal adoption.”

The Strategy adopts a staged and prioritised approach to implementation and acknowledges that external funding will be essential to delivering the broader network over time.

Community consultation will help ensure the Strategy reflects current needs and emerging issues. Feedback received will be incorporated where appropriate before the final Strategy is presented to Council for adoption. The consultation process also forms a key requirement of the TAC‑funded project.

The Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy 2026–2030 is open for community feedback until 5pm, Friday 18 September 2026.

Read the Strategy and provide feedback at: www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/walkcycle