Bairnsdale Paynesville shared walking and cycling path

About This Project

A dual use pathway from Bairnsdale to Paynesville to finally have a safe connection is on top of the list of projects for EGATI.

Work on this project started 12 years ago by another informal enthusiastic local group. In 2021 EGATI was formed and since then we’ve been working towards activating or progressing this plan. A petition was presented to East Gippsland council in October 2021 and received "in principle" unanimous support.

Since then the original plan has been updated and revised by council Their preferred route is to construct a path from McLeod St, through McLeod’s morass across Paynesville/Bairnsdale Rd, to connect with the Old Paynesville Rd, with an upgrade and development of a continuous trail along the lake side from Eagle Point to Paynesville.

This is an incredibly expensive option & years from fruition, so EGATI members have been investigating other options. Utilizing the well advanced council plan from the Paynesville end, then a trail along the Mitchell river on the east side of the river. A trail beside the Paynesville Rd has been investigated but neither side of the road is feasible unfortunately. Since the Riverbank East Road on the east side of the Mitchell River has been sealed and has little traffic, we are now investigating the possibility of building a walking/cycling bridge across the Mitchell River from near the end of the sealed Riverbank Rd across to the park on the river flat below the Red Bluff in Eagle Point.

No matter which option we finally pursue, we will need community support to help Council find funding from State and Federal governments and any other philanthropic organizations we can find.

Our ultimate goal is to give all "Active Transport" users a safe, enjoyable, cost effective & suitable path between the two towns in the not too distant future & remove this group off the busy Paynesville/Bairnsdale Road, which is a win for every road user.