4. Supporters of the Darebin Bridge

Government Support

In 2002, the Darebin Bridge was identified in the State Government’s strategy for Melbourne’s open space, Linking People and Spaces. The strategy said it was one of Melbourne’s highest priority projects.

This strategy said that Parks Victoria and local governments should “close the gaps in the Darebin trail from John Cain Memorial Park south to the Main Yarra Trail at Willsmere Park” within three years.

Other state government bodies agree: VicRoads, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Melbourne Water have all committed money or formally supported the project.

Even with this wide-ranging support, the three year time frame has not been met.

The bridge got a boost in May 2006 when Premier Steve Bracks announced a $2m State Government commitment to the bridge, demonstrating that this is a project of state-wide significance. 

The new local MP in Northcote, Filona Richardson, has recently been attending community meetings about the bridge and is very supportive of the project.

Council Support

In early 2007 the new mayor of Boroondara publicly stated that he was opposed to the project as proposed by Parks Victoria and supported by all other Councils involved. All Councils have shown strong support for the bridge for over a decade – including Boroondara. The City of Boroondara’s current Park Masterplan endorses the bridge location.

The current Boroondara Council is yet to consider the Parks Victoria proposal, although it is noted that Council has previously made clear its desire for an alternative to a previous Parks Victoria application (Council resolution 2003).

Community Support

 

It’s not just government bodies that support the Darebin Bridge. Many community groups and local residents have invested years of effort to bring about this vital part of Melbourne’s infrastructure. Following is a list of the bridge’s champions and defenders.

In summary:

As you can see from the History page Bicycle Victoria has been a long time supporter of this project.

The challenge to all of us now is to get over the last few hurdles. It will not be easy or smooth sailing but the bridge is ready to build.

 

Support the people who support your bike riding. Join Bicycle Victoria.

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A Message from Bicycle Victoria

Many people: local riders and walkers, local councils, the state government, and Bicycle Victoria have been working steadily for many years to get this bridge built.

Today the project has a lot of support and the money to build it is in the bank.

For Bicycle Victoria this bridge is a very high priority and we are determined that it will be built soon. At the moment we are hoping for the best; construction could start before the end of this year.

All supporters of the bridge also have to be prepared for the worst. There are still a small number of noisy opponents who will attempt to stop or delay the project. We can expect public comment against the project.

Arguments will be mounted to attempt to delay the project. Some will offer to agree, provided unreasonable conditions are met. We can expect legal challenges.

This is why we all need you to join in as a supporter. One of the best things you can do is to tell others about the project and encourage them to visit www.darebinbridge.com.au

It is likely there will be times when Councillors or Politicians will need to know how much we all want the bridge. We will keep you up to date on the campaign on the website. Click ‘Email Me Updates’ and you will be told immediately when something significant has happened.

Whatever the opponents of the bridge do, we will all be working hard for the bridge and we ask you to remain positive, determined and supportive.

It might be a rough ride, but it will be worth it. In future, when you use the bridge, you will experience that deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make a 20 year dream come true.

Harry Barber

Chief Executive Officer

Bicycle Victoria