April Quarterly Update
8 April 2024
You may know the project very well, or want to know more, but in a nutshell: ngurrak barring (noo-rak bar-ring) meaning ‘mountain paths’ in woi wurrung, is an art and cultural experience, running along 39km of walking track.
The track leads through forests of towering mountain ash and rich understoreys, passes through townships and emerges to panoramic views of Melbourne. Art and interpretive content of various forms can be discovered across the track. ngurrak barring project will be delivering 14km of new and improved tracks, architectural nodes, permanent sculptures, land art and heritage interpretation.
The next phase of trail upgrades for ngurrak barring is about to commence in partnership with Parks Victoria and FFMV. Yarra Ranges Council will be upgrading a segment of the Toroa Track in Doongalla Forest and Bleakley Track in Sherbrooke. To minimise disruption to trail users, the team is completing small sections at a time and aiming to reopen where possible on weekends. Updated information and closure dates will be available online and via onsite signage.
Consultations with key stakeholders for smaller-scale enhancements, such as pedestrian refuge islands in Sherbrooke and Belgrave, are nearing completion. In the coming weeks, the team plans to engage with the broader community to gather additional feedback and insights.
Members of the ngurrak barring | Ridgewalk and Asset teams, along with an external ecologist, have dedicated days to ground truthing the ngurrak barring route to review wayfinding and interpretation signage locations. This is a critical step to ensure signage effectiveness and to minimise environmental impact of the project.
We're excited to announce that the Clarke, Kennedy, Bodycomb and Paten team (CKBP) has been selected for the Doongalla Forest Public Artwork project with their concept "We are Storytellers."
Comprised of cultural advisor Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke, writer Cate Kennedy, artist Helen Bodycomb, and arts manager Martin Paten, CKBP stood out among 28 submissions after a thorough evaluation process conducted by the public art panel. Their proposal resonated with the panel for its deep consideration of the environment, cultural significance, and historical context of the site.
The artwork, designed to create a subtle and harmonious narrative experience with the forest surroundings, aims to pique the curiosity and imagination of walkers, inviting them to pause and reflect amidst the lush Doongalla forest. The CKBP team has also incorporated feedback from a recent community survey into their proposal, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement throughout the project.
Over the next few months, the design will be further developed, with completion scheduled for December 2024. We look forward to the continued collaboration with the CKBP team and community participation at various stages of the project.
Opportunities will be shared on the project's Shaping Page, make sure to follow the project here.
The Sassafras Village Green engagement has just concluded, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who attended the Pop-Up event. We're currently reviewing all responses received and ensuring no feedback goes unnoticed.
Moving on to the 5 Ways Crossing, we're in the final stages of approvals with the Department of Transport and Planning for key initiatives.
In response to community concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly during peak times, there's strong support for pedestrian crossings in Sassafras and Olinda townships. We're actively incorporating community feedback into our designs and collaborating closely with the Department of Transport and Planning to address these concerns while prioritising pedestrian safety and smooth traffic flow.
If you would like to get in touch, please drop us a line at ridgewalk@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or follow the project here.
