Mayor Tony Herbert said the river and its parks were a hidden gem, and the area south of the river between Wollaston Road and Manuka Drive had been earmarked for future works.

Cr Herbert said the council wanted to know the public's thoughts about how it could make the precinct into a series of parklands.

Feedback from the community will be used to create the South of the Merri Open Space Precinct Plan which would set the direction for how the area should be developed in the future.

The council said the precinct to the south of the Merri River had an underdeveloped connection between future trails north of the Merri River and the Russells Creek walking trail.

"The Merri River offers enormous potential as a major open space corridor for Warrnambool," Cr Herbert said.

"It's a much-loved river but in some ways the river and the parks beside it are a hidden gem."

The future works will link in the with council's long-term community plan, Warrnambool 2040, and its sustainability plan, Green Warrnambool.

Both plans identify a goal for the Merri River corridor to become a "connected series of parklands that support active transport, nature-based recreation and wildlife movement" by 2040.

To have your say go to www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au

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