Safer shopping and better accessibility in Castlemaine
Published on 05 December 2025
Mount Alexander Shire Council, in partnership with the Victorian Government, has delivered better safety and greater accessibility for residents and visitors on Castlemaine’s central retail strip, with the completion of an upgraded pedestrian crossing.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes during a visit to the new and improved crossing that was made possible thanks to an $80,000 investment by the State Government.
“Castlemaine is a vibrant community with a strong visitor and tourism economy – this project will make the town’s central pedestrian corridor safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities,” said Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards.
The Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes added that “through the Council Support Package, we’re helping councils right across Victoria deliver projects that provide improved social, wellbeing and economic benefits for their communities.”
Council was proud to co-invest around $60,000 to bring this important upgrade to life.
Castlemaine's new raised ‘wombat’ crossing makes pedestrians more visible to drivers, particularly children and people with limited mobility, on what is an increasingly busy Mostyn Street.
The upgrade was designated a priority in Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and will meet the needs of the town’s growing population and increased traffic in the town centre. It will improve a key connection between shops, carparks, taxi ranks, the Castlemaine Visitor Centre, Victory Park and the local RSL.
The Victorian Government’s Council Support Package was established to invest in regional councils and facilitate projects that provide enduring value for their communities.
“This new crossing is a win for everyone in Castlemaine. It makes our town centre safer for people of all ages and abilities,” said Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor Cr Toby Heydon.
Photo (left to right): Councillor Lucas Maddock, Mayor Cr Toby Heydon, Cathy Wheel (MASDAG), Lorraine Le Plastrier (MASDAG), Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, Council Project Engineer Amrit Pun Magar, Council Director of Infrastructure and Development Michael Annear.