UPDATE: South Kyneton residents are rallying for immediate action on vital infrastructure improvements, launching a petition demanding better connectivity to their town. The petition specifically calls for a pedestrian path from the end of Mollison Street to Kyneton Train Station and a new vehicle bridge over the Campaspe River from Edgecombe Street.
Spokesperson Rick Lander emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that these infrastructure links are essential as South Kyneton experiences rapid growth. “Without these connections, residents face significant challenges accessing public transport and essential services,” Lander remarked. The Macedon Ranges Council has previously identified both projects in the Kyneton Movement Network Plan, but funding hurdles have stalled progress.
The proposed pedestrian path faces a major obstacle: the land needed for construction is owned by VicTrack, which has reportedly dismissed community requests for nearly a decade. VicTrack stated that the area designated for the path is currently utilized for V/Line railway operations and maintenance, rendering it unsuitable for public access.
In response, Dom Testoni, the Council’s assets and operations director, confirmed that both projects remain a high priority. He noted that a pedestrian crossing will be established at Campaspe Drive and Mollison Street, providing an alternative route to the station, independent of the VicTrack land issue.
Testoni added, “The Council has been working closely with developers to advocate for unlocking land from VicTrack and V/Line to facilitate the proposed pedestrian path to the train station, but these efforts have not yielded results so far.”
Currently, a concept design for the new bridge has been developed, with contributions from developers secured to partially fund the project. The estimated cost for the bridge is around $12.7 million (excluding GST), but no confirmed timeline for construction exists. The project is considered a medium-to-long-term priority, triggered when traffic volumes exceed the current road network’s capacity.
Residents are urgent for change, as they navigate challenges stemming from inadequate connectivity. The petition underscores the pressing need for infrastructure that accommodates a growing population and enhances access to essential services.
For those interested in supporting the cause, the petition is available at kynetononriverside.au/south-kyneton-connectivity-petition. As South Kyneton continues to grow, the call for better connectivity resonates louder than ever, highlighting the need for immediate action from local authorities.
Residents and officials are watching closely as discussions continue. The outcome of this petition could be a turning point for infrastructure development in the area, making it crucial for the community to stay engaged and informed.
