Elaine has long lobbied for a footpath alongside the Midland Highway to link the school bus stop with the recreational reserve.

Elaine Cricket Club’s Shane Dunne has led the push for a safe pathway. In lieu of a footpath Mr Dunne would often walk kids from the bus stop to the reserve.

He approached Buninyong MP Geoff Howard for funds in March last year. 

Works are now underway on a footpath stretching from the bus stop on the corner of Pearsons Road along the Midland Highway to the general store. 

The $100,000 project has been funded by the state government.

“When Shane Dunne from the cricket club raised his concerns that children getting off the school bus couldn’t safety walk to the recreation reserve, I organised for VicRoads and Moorabool Shire to investigate the issue,” Mr Howard said.

“A new section of kerb will provide a safer location to cross the Midland Highway, with the path continuing to the recreational reserve.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work with council, VicRoads, local residents and the cricket club to get a great outcome that will make it safer for children walking to the recreation reserve.”

The construction follows the lowering of the speed limit from 100 kilometre-an-hour to 80km/h.  

“This builds on previous safety improvements, where I was able to have the 80 kilometre-an-hour speed zone moved to the southern side of the reserve, reducing the previous limit here from 100km/h.”

Moorabool mayor David Edwards said council worked with Elaine residents to finalise the location for the footpath.

“Following community consultations we worked with local residents and neighbouring property owners to secure the land required for the footpath to be constructed.” Mr Edwards said.

“Local children will soon benefit from a safer pathway to walk from the school bus and the local shops to enjoy training and recreational activity here at the reserve.”