Don’t need bikes for our seven wonders

Considering the already three and a quarter year wait, and the unlikely expectation that an acceptable solution could be found in the foreseeable future, I find it unacceptable that the $19.2 million which Jordan Crugnale originally promised just prior to the 2018 State election to create a shared walking/cycling track between Inverloch and San Remo will not be forthcoming unless the trail is sited immediately along the Bunurong coastline.

Initially, the Bass Coast Shire Council also was in favour of a coastal route for the section between Cape Paterson and Inverloch, but following Community Consultation in April 2021 with stakeholders, Parks Victoria, environmentalists, residents etc has proposed an inland route along a Crown Land corridor which does identify some features of scenic interest.

Unfortunately, the State Government will only grant $3 million towards this Council-endorsed cycling/walking Trail project, while ratepayers will have to contribute at least $4.7 million for this inland route.

Jordan Crugnale has made it clear that the inland route is the Bass Coast Council’s project, and the coastal vision is her project, designed to conform with the State Government Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Plan.

This plan was launched June 26, 2021. Since this is two and a half years after Jordan Crugnale’s promise of $19.2 million, I don’t believe that the promise has to be conditional on requirements of later decisions.

It is concerning that Jordan Crugnale has focussed her support on a ‘beautifully illustrated 100-page Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan” produced by a Council Consultant about a year ago.

The Consultant who provided this book was only able to suggest one strategy for a coastal cycling/walking trail. He proposed converting the Bunurong roadway into a one-way route for vehicles to enable half the width of the roadway to be available for cyclists/walkers.

The repercussions affecting vehicles having to travel at the low-speed limit suggested and then return to Inverloch via Wonthaggi would add considerably to travel times and congestion in Wonthaggi.

Even if a trail could be established on the north side on the Bunurong roadway, the topography of the land as well as the many winding and sloping curves of the route would not be favourable for cycling families or those with scooters etc.
Currently, seasoned cyclists regard this roadway as a challenge to be undertaken at times of low traffic volume. Inhaling car fumes and the distraction of oncoming vehicles during busy times would also be a negative for families on bicycles.
Alternatively, the Crown Land corridor would enable cyclists, scooter riders, and walkers of all levels to enjoy exercise and fresh country air in a safe environment with some options to view glimpses of the coast at designated spots.

Furthermore, an expectation to obtain State Government funding to develop the car parks and interpretive signage to highlight the prehistory, dinosaur, indigenous and environmental significance of the seven sites along the trail of the Bunurong roadway can be justified without the construction of a coastal trail through an area subject to erosion in the belief a walking-cycling trail bordering the coastline is the only way to attract tourists.

Access to these sites 365 days of the year is best served by car or mini-bus travel.

Rosemary Hutchinson, Inverloch.