Shared Path Parker Street Castlemaine and Ireland Street McKenzie Hill

Section 1 - Parker Street to Forest Street (along Kennedy Street)

Section 2 - Kennedy Street to Ray Street (along Forest Street and Bowden Street)

Section 3 - Bowden Street to Ireland Street (along Ray Street and Maldon Road)

The project is supported by $3 million from the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund, with an additional $750,000 contribution from Council. This investment will enable the design and construction of the sealed 3.6‑kilometre shared pathway, which will improve safety, accessibility and active transport connections between McKenzie Hill and Castlemaine. The four‑year project aligns with several Council strategies and masterplans, including long‑term plans to strengthen sustainable transport options across the shire.

The design process has commenced, and draft designs have been prepared that have considered and incorporated the following (where possible):

•  The 2.5m shared pathway is being designed as a sealed, accessible route that supports safe walking and cycling for people of all ages and abilities.
•  DDA compliance has been a key consideration, with design responses tailored to the topography along the route.
• Heritage values within the project area have been carefully considered throughout the design process.
• The pathway design is being coordinated to align with the Castlemaine Railway Precinct Masterplan.
• Connections are planned to integrate with the proposed traffic signalisation at the Ireland Street / Maldon Road intersection.
• The design considers links to existing subdivisions and local street networks.
• Existing vegetation along the proposed route has been assessed to minimise impacts where possible.
• Opportunities to connect the new path with the existing Campbells Creek Trail have been incorporated.
• The design takes into account the existing school crossing near Winters Flat Primary School to ensure safe and logical movement for students and families.

A copy of the draft concept layout plans (these are subject to refinement) can be viewed in the supporting information section. 

Council has engaged GMR Engineering Services to undertake the detailed design for the new shared pathway, with final design work expected to be completed by the end of April 2026. Construction will then be delivered in three stages over the following three years, beginning at the Parker Street end of the route. Site investigations, stakeholder engagement and refinement of design elements are currently underway as the project progresses toward construction commencing in late 2026.

• Detailed design is currently underway and is expected to be completed by April.
• Construction of the shared pathway will be delivered in three stages, commencing in late 2026.
• The first stage is planned to commence at the Parker Street end of the route.
• The scope and limits of work for each stage are still being finalised.
• Staged construction will occur over the next three years.
• All construction works are scheduled to be completed by March 2029.

• New shared cycling and walking path on the way for McKenzie Hill
• Council news – 11 March 2025