ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk was first conceived in 2017 by the Yarra Ranges Council Creative Communities team. Yarra Ranges Council led the project in partnership with State and Federal Government, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Parks Victoria, residents, artists, businesses, schools, cultural and community organisations. Indigenous culture, the environment, heritage and creativity were the key local values identified during this early conceptual phase and they continue to underpin all subsequent project activities.
The project is fully funded to $9.8 million dollars, with contributions from The Australian Government, Victoria’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Yarra Ranges Council.
Masterplan
Yarra Ranges Council commissioned the development of a master plan for RidgeWalk in 2018. The RidgeWalk Master Plan presents a vision that is supported by concepts, ideas and detailed plans to achieve the project. It provides mapping, instruction, inspiration and guidance for the design, construction and development of ongoing opportunities within the project.
Master planning consultants used the cultural studies as a foundation for their work. They conducted extensive site analysis and drew upon the experience and expertise of local residents engaged throughout the process.
The Master Plan includes:
- Detailed maps of the track route
- A cultural framework outlining the project’s narrative and core themes
- Concept designs for nodes, artistic sites and wayfinding
- Locational information for nodes, artistic sites, wayfinding signage, accessible tracks, amenities, parking and transportation
- Technical details of surface treatments for new and upgraded tracks
- Summaries of associated reports and assessments for economic modelling, traffic, parking and movement
The Master Plan was formally adopted by Council in September, 2020, following extensive community consultation.
