Council applies for Active Transport Funding Program

Published on 01 October 2026

Active Transport Funding Program.png

At the Council meeting held on Wednesday 30 September 2026, Hindmarsh Shire Council endorsed two applications to the Australian Government’s Active Transport Funding Program for new accessible footpath connections in Dimboola and Nhill.

The proposed Wimmera Street Footpath Connection would deliver about 450 metres of 1.5-metre-wide concrete footpath along Wimmera Street and Upper Regions Street in Dimboola. It would connect the all-abilities railway overpass with the existing School Street and High Street footpath networks.

The project is estimated to cost $150,000 excluding GST. Council is seeking an 80 per cent Australian Government contribution, with Council contributing up to $30,000 towards the project if the application is successful.

The proposed Townsend Street Footpath Connection in Nhill would deliver about 1,050 metres of 1.5-metre-wide concrete footpath along Townsend Street, Nairn Street and Glenferness Street in Nhill, together with a compliant pedestrian crossings. This route would link residential areas with Nhill Hospital, the Nhill CBD, Nhill College, recreation facilities, the local gym and Avonlea Aged Care.

The Nhill project is estimated to cost $300,000 excluding GST. Council is seeking an 80 per cent Australian Government contribution, with Council contributing up to $60,000 if the application is successful.

Mayor Ron Ismay said the applications target gaps where pedestrians currently do not have a continuous, accessible path.

“These projects would provide safer and more direct walking routes for residents, including people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames and prams,” Mayor Ismay said.

“In Dimboola, the missing connection limits access from the railway overpass into the town’s wider footpath network. In Nhill, the proposed route would improve connections to the hospital, school, shopping area and other community facilities.”

Council officers will now finalise and submit the applications. Further community consultation will be undertaken if funding is approved.

For more information, please contact Ram Upadhyaya, Director Infrastructure Services, on 03 5391 4444, or email rupadhyaya@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

Tagged as:
Back to top