ALMOST the entire Bass Coast region including San Remo, Anderson, Kilcunda and Wonthaggi will soon be connected to Phillip Island by a continuous off-road pathway stretching from Ventnor, Rhyll and Cowes to Inverloch.
Work is well underway on the Wonthaggi to Inverloch shared pathway and construction is about to start on the design and construction of a shared pathway on Guy Road.
Stages two and three of the Cowes to Rhyll trail are finished, a feasibility study has been completed for the Woolamai to Nyora bike path, and stages four and five of the Cowes to Rhyll trail are currently in the design phase.
The Wonthaggi to Inverloch pathway is costing $3.7 million with the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) contributing $3 million, the design and construction of the Cowes to
Ventnor path will cost council $1.5 million out of a total cost of $3 million, and the construction of stages four and five of the Cowes to Rhyll pathway $0.7 million.
At this month’s Bass Coast Council meeting, Cr Mat Morgan described tracks and trails as his favourite kind of transport.
“It is really great to see these quite extensive plans in action,” said Cr Morgan.
As a Bunurong Ward Councillor Cr Morgan said he was absolutely thrilled that the Wonthaggi to Inverloch shared path is happening.
“I can’t wait to ride on it,” said Cr Morgan.
“I’ll be getting on my bike to rock up to council.”
Cr Meg Ewards asked about potential implications for the Wonthaggi to Nyora track.
Council was advised the tracks and trails plan did not provide any future allocation for the design or delivery of the Woolamai to Nyora shared path.
Bass Coast Shire has committed $7 million over seven years to fund the dream of an interconnected shared pathway linking most of Bass Coast’s coastal townships.
The Wonthaggi to Inverloch trail project is progressing well according to contractors and is scheduled to be completed as planned in the 2025-2026 financial year.
When completed the Wonthaggi to Inverloch pathway will connect to a much greater network of off-road shared pathways leading to the Gippsland Odyssey a 700 kilometre pathway linking Gippsland.
The shared Wonthaggi to Inverloch trail will consist of gravel and concrete footpaths including the widening and replacement of existing concrete footpaths, boardwalks using mesh grating decking, fibre-reinforced plastic substructure and handrails where required, a pedestrian crossing with refuge island on Toorak Road in Inverloch, installation of bollards, rest area seats and signs, and plantings within the road reserve.
Funding has been secured for the design and construction of the Cowes to Ventnor shared path through the Active Transport Fund (ATF) with final designs due to be completed by next financial year (2025-2026) and construction completed in 2029.
Bass Coast Council and the Active Transport Fund will each contribute $1 million towards the Cowes to Ventnor shared pathway.
Although supporting the tracks and trails progress report to Bass Coast Council Cr O’Brien was not sure there was strong community support.
“We need to look at how our roads are used,” said Cr O’Brien.
“Why are we perhaps not just making the roads safer?
“I don’t believe roads are just for cars.
“I question the amount of money we are putting towards tracks and trails.”
The connected pathway network between Ventnor, Cowes and Rhyll and onwards to Wonthaggi and Inverloch is anticipated to enhance the liveability of local communities and benefit the health and wellbeing of visitors to Bass.
With a quick trip on the Phillip Island ferry Bass Coast’s network of trails and shared pathways will link to Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.
