Walking, cycling and shared user paths are an essential part of a modern transport network.
Active transport infrastructure provides communities with safe, affordable and sustainable ways to travel while supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing congestion and improving connections between neighbourhoods, activity centres and public transport.
The Eastern Transport Coalition advocates for a continuous, connected network of shared user paths across Melbourne’s east. While many high-quality trails already exist throughout the region, significant gaps remain. Missing links, inconsistent infrastructure and poor connections reduce the effectiveness of the network and discourage greater use.
In late 2024, ETC released its Trails for Tomorrow policy document, which highlighted the important role shared trails play in supporting active transport, tourism, recreation and community wellbeing. The document identified a range of opportunities to strengthen connections between communities, close missing links and improve access to key destinations across Melbourne’s east.
Investing in trails and active transport infrastructure benefits people of all ages and abilities. Whether commuting to work, riding to school, accessing public transport or enjoying recreational activities, residents should be able to move safely and confidently throughout their communities.
The ETC supports projects that close missing links, improve accessibility, strengthen connections to public transport and create safer environments for walkers, cyclists, scooter users and people using mobility aids.
As Melbourne grows, active transport will become increasingly important in reducing reliance on private vehicles and creating more liveable communities. By expanding and connecting our trail network, we can provide genuine transport alternatives while enhancing the environmental, social and economic wellbeing of Melbourne’s east.
These themes are also reflected throughout our 2026 State Election Platform document, including the vision for Melbourne’s east, the focus on connectivity and sustainability, the dedicated sections on the Suburban Rail Loop, bus improvements and shared user path upgrades.
Trails for Tomorrow
In late 2024, the Eastern Transport Coalition released Trails for Tomorrow, a policy document outlining a long-term vision for connected trails and active transport infrastructure across Melbourne’s east. The document highlights opportunities to support healthier communities, encourage more active travel and strengthen tourism and recreation networks throughout the region.
Regional trails create spaces for people to exercise together, building community connection and contributing to good mental and physical health for people of all ages.
A high-quality trail network encourages people to walk or cycle rather than drive, reducing vehicle numbers on roads, improving air quality, and cutting noise pollution and traffic congestion.
Most visitors to regional trails in eastern Melbourne are locals — and they have the same economic potential as tourists travelling from further afield. Trails also support local businesses, from cafés to fitness operators.
Trails extend community access to jobs, education, small businesses and services — providing vital transport links for residents who rely on active travel options.
ETC’s policy document for regional trails funding
We aim to work with federal and state governments to ensure the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Melbourne’s outer east.
The initiatives we promote are crucial to the eastern region’s growing business opportunities, thriving job market, clean air and liveable communities.
Take a look at the ten trails we’re supporting in our policy document Trails for Tomorrow.
Do you have a business or an organisation hindered by poor transport in the east?
If you have a story that needs to be heard we would love to help you share it
Get in touch with us to learn how you can support better transport outcomes for your community.