14 Dec 2017 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) CHILTERN has turned another sod to begin connecting its central town precincts with pedestrian and cycling paths so that people can move easily between recreation and commercial and economic areas. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) joined Indigo Shire Council representatives last week to launch work on the project that is designed to improve Chilterns liveability and help to attract new residents. The project is supported by a $300,000 g grant from the Victorian government, which 2 Ms Symes said was investing in projects 22 that support making country Victoria a betn ter place to live, work, and do business. Local businesses and residents are very excited about the Chiltern town centre and connectivity project, and the benefits it will bring to the community and visitors, she said. This project will improve Chilterns liveability and make it even more attractive. I hope that these works also encourage new businesses and employment opportuni ties for this growing community. Indigo council is managing delivery of the project, which will provide plans for a network of paths to connect the key pre cincts of the town and highlight the towns entrance. The plans will allow for new pathways to be developed from the industrial precinct to the cycling and rail hub, alongside the wa tercourse, and onto towns main entrance. As part of the project, Martins Lane will be developed as a town square, incorporat ing feature plantings, seating and shade to create a new community space, which will help to build the town centre. Design development drawings of the new town entrance have been completed, featur ing a sculpture and a mix of native and exotic plants. Indigos Chiltern placemaking and structure plan identified the need to attract new families to drive economic and popula tion growth and create a viable and resilient community. Ms Symes said the new centre and connectivity project will help Indigo council to achieve these goals. Not only does the project provide for community wellbeing, it also sends a positive message to the local business community and will encourage new investment in the towns business precincts, she said. DIGGING IT: Indigo councillor Sophie Price and Victorian Legislative Councillor Jaclyn Symes turn the sod to launch the Chiltern town centre and connectivity project on Friday. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.