Work is well underway in Maryborough as part of the Princes Park Enhancement Project – known locally as the RACV Track Extension – and is on schedule for use this November.
The work site is currently every child’s dream with plenty of mud, diggers and steam rollers in action as the new roads begin to take shape. All of the essential services, including water, power, lighting and data have been mapped and are being installed concurrently.
As the whole Princes Park precinct is heritage listed, this project required a Heritage Impact Statement to be prepared and a Heritage Permit to be issued prior to any work commencing.
“Once approval was received from Heritage Victoria, works have been progressing very well,” Central Goldfields Shire Council’s Recreation Manager and Energy Breakthrough Local Planning Co-ordinator, Martin Mark said.
“Obviously there’s always the chance of wet weather like this week having an influence, but our expectation is the works will continue on and be completed in time for the event in November,” Martin said.
“New grass will also be sown and trees will be planted and whilst the roads will be ready, it’s likely that this landscaping won’t be 100% established by the time of the event,” he added.
Above: New section of the RACV Track Extension leading towards Lake Victoria
First announced by Deputy Premier The Hon. James Merlino in May, the 260 metre extension to the RACV Track will bring the overall circuit length to 1.84 kilometres.
The project – a partnership between the Victorian State Government and the Central Goldfields Shire Council – will assist in the long-term viability of the RACV Energy Breakthrough program by adding much needed capacity for secondary human powered vehicle (HPV) and energy efficient vehicle (EEV) teams.
As well as extending the RACV Track, the project include new landscaping works, new play equipment and new BBQ facilities. These will be extra permanent facilities in Princes Park for the local community to enjoy.
Above: New section of the RACV Track Extension leading off Burns St. This area will also double as new parking space throughout the year.
