Here is the official statement from the City of Yarra:

"Dear resident,

We are writing to provide an important update on Yarra Council's proposal to build a shared path in Rushall Reserve.

At its council meeting on 19 March 2019, Yarra Council decided not to proceed with its plans to build the shared path.

The decision comes following a range of complex logistical challenges and risks relating to the proposed path’s proximity to railway and power infrastructure, and the adjoining embankment next to the Merri Creek.

During the recent planning permit application process for the project, agencies including VicTrack (who own the land around the train line), Metro Trains (who operate the rail line), and Ausnet and CitiPower (who own underground high voltage cables) notified us that additional works would be required to their assets to facilitate the construction of the path. These requirements would cause a substantial increase to the costs of the proposal.

In addition, it is expected that there will be further unforeseen costs during construction which are likely to arise due to the complexity of the location.

Council decided that it would not proceed after in-depth consideration of the impact these challenges would have on the scope and budget of the project. . . .

Yarra Council recognises the Merri Creek trail is a significant off-road cycling path and will continue to investigate other options for improvements to the trail.

We thank everyone who has provided feedback during the development of the Rushall Reserve shared path proposal.

Regards, Rushall Reserve Project Team"

The Council meeting minutes are at https://yarracitycouncil.cmail19.com/t/t-l-odihuyk-cphylytk-y/