Mitchell Shire Council has begun planning to construct shared user paths in Wallan to improve pedestrian access and connectivity.
What's happening?
The project will see a concrete shared user path built from King Street along King William Drive to the entrance of Taylors Creek, including two raised pedestrian crossings.
Another concrete shared user path will run from Watson Street to Taylors Lane along the west side of Taylors Creek, with raised pedestrian crossings at Watson Street and Almond Avenue.
Before the construction of the paths can begin, a cultural heritage salvage will be undertaken at identified artefact scatter sites within the works area.
These works are part of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP), which is a legal requirement under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Council must comply with an approved CHMP whenever planning or construction works could affect known cultural heritage sites.
This process protects First Nations cultural heritage while allowing community infrastructure projects to proceed responsibly.
The full construction project is made possible thanks to $1.688 million from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund and $736,000 from Council.
When?
- Cultural Heritage Salvage works are scheduled to begin mid-November 2025 and be completed by April 2026.
- Planning for the path construction is underway and the timeline will be communicated when known.
How will the community be impacted?
- Temporary fencing will be installed on nature strips throughout King William Drive and King Street, and throughout Taylors Creek Reserve, clearly marking the areas to protect cultural heritage sites. Directly impacted residents have already been contacted by Council.
- Reduced speed limits of 40 km/h will apply along King Street and King William Drive while salvage works are underway.
- Pedestrian access will be temporarily restricted in parts of Taylors Creek Reserve and around the work zones, with detours and clear signage in place to guide residents safely around the area.
How can I get more information?
For ongoing updates, visit the project page.
