Section of Surf Parade Path gets go ahead

THE Bass Coast Shire Council has announced that it will start construction of a new section of the proposed Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch next week.

But the planned scope of the new works will not see the path extended to the Inverloch Surf Club, an issue that has caused some angst on social media this week.

According to the shire, “this stage will continue the existing path from Veronica Street to Ozone Street and include 75 formal car spaces. Construction will begin in the week starting Monday, February 7 and take about four months to complete, weather permitting”.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said he was happy to see the construction of this project finally begin.

“I know how important this project is to the Inverloch community as well as those who regularly visit the town, so to have a date for construction to begin is really exciting,” Cr Whelan said.

“This is a long-awaited project for our community and behind the scenes, officers have been working tirelessly to progress this as quickly as possible. Coastal erosion is having such a huge impact on the Inverloch coastline so it was important to find a balance between these impacts and this important project,” Cr Whelan said.

“The final stage of the path from Ozone Street through to the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club is being reviewed and will consider an appropriate design to comply with requirements of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

“Appropriate traffic and pedestrian control measures will be in place during the construction period and road users may experience some short traffic delays during the works.”

Social media feedback

* That’s fantastic news, about time.

* Highly unlikely that the section from Ozone to Goroke (and God knows how many years) will be completed as per the community’s preferred Option 2.

* That’s fantastic news. We don’t have to walk on the road so much safer for our families.

* Oh, my goodness, a long time coming.

* The surf club isn’t that far. Take it there. Can’t be too complex.

* The last bit to the surf club is the most important on a safety basis.

For more information

For more information on this project, visit http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/surfparade

Here you will find the ‘Notice of Works’: Bass Coast Shire has awarded a contract to SR Excavations Pty Ltd to carry out the Surf Parade Pathway Stage 3a from Veronica Street to Ozone Street in Inverloch. See the map.

* This project will start from 7 February 2022 and completion is anticipated by end of May 2022 subject to favorable weather conditions, contractor and supplier availability and any potential Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the State Government. These works will be carried out as a part of Council’s adopted 2021/2022 Capital Works Program. This project is fully funded by Council and cost in the order of $905,000.

Benefits to the Community

* This project is part of Council’s Aspirational Network Pathway Plan 2016 and Active Bass Coast 2018-2028 that allows the increasing accessibility and connectivity among the growing suburbs and encourages an active lifestyle in the community which is a continuation of the surf parade pathway under the Principle Bicycle Network (PBN) plan.

* Through this project, Council aims to continue a vibrant and safe pedestrian and cycling path, implement a pedestrian priority along Surf Parade. The shared path will provide safe off-road pedestrian access to and from a known area of concern in regard to vehicular / pedestrian conflict due to the popularity of the area and vicinity of the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club Inverloch Surf beach and the RACV resort.

* Stage 3A runs from the end of the last section of the path at Veronica Street and will conclude at just past the Ozone Street intersection at a length of 580 metres. In addition to the 2.5 metre concrete path, fencing, retaining walls, bollards and landscaping, there will be a provision of 75 constructed parallel parking bays in this section.

* This next stage of the Surf Parade shared path brings Council closer to completing its Wonthaggi – Inverloch Rail Trail and will further complement the existing infrastructure along the beautiful Inverloch foreshore for local residents and visitors. The ‘big picture’ plan envisages an alternative mode of transport from Inverloch to Cowes – Phillip Island via Wonthaggi using existing rail trails / shared pathways. In essence, providing an option to travel from one side of the Shire to the other entirely using a separate offroad route.

What to Expect

* Approved vegetation clearing associated with the shared pathway works. All approved permits/consents have been secured.

* Construction of a 2.5-metre-wide concrete shared pathway between Veronica Street and Ozone Street (about 580 metres).

* Construction of pavement, fencing, retaining walls, landscaping, minor drainage and all other ancillary works.

* Prior to work commencement, VMS boards will be placed at appropriate location a week prior to any works commencing to advise changed traffic conditions.

* Appropriate traffic/pedestrian measures will be in place throughout the duration of the works.

* There will be no road closures, traffic lights will be used to manage any lane closures for construction works.

* The use of plant and machinery including noisy works such as earthworks, power tools, saw cutting etc. and use of trucks delivering materials to the site.

Staying Informed

The Bass Coast Shire is offering the community a number of ways to stay informed:

“We appreciate that these works may present an inconvenience to residents and visitors and we ask for their patience during these times. Our contractor will make every effort to minimise disruptions during construction. Whilst these works will also span the Easter Holidays the site will be made safe and works paused to minimise any disruption during this time. The community, local residents, businesses and other stakeholders will be kept up to date with the project via Council’s website and letter box drops, where appropriate.”

For more information or assistance during this project, contact:

* SR Excavations Pty Ltd – Project Manager – Brad Hewton – 0429 598 819

* Bass Coast Shire Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Team – Contract Superintendent – Ravi Raveendran or Site Representative - Martin O’Flynn on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211

* Email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au

* Visit the website http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au for updates on this project.