THE staggering cost of the $7.7 million shared pathway from Wonthaggi to Inverloch continues to raise local concerns following deep washaways after recent heavy rain.

Rod O’Neill from the Inverloch Glamping Company, which is located on Drowleys Road, Inverloch, said the shared pathway was built on the wrong side of the road.

“Water pouring out of local properties after recent rain has gouged deep washaways into the pathway and may require major remediation works,” said Mr O’Neill.

“It’s just a mess, it’s dangerous,” he said.

Although pleased that the pathway will provide a valuable link between Wonthaggi and Inverloch for local cyclists and tourists, Mr O’Neill is not happy with how it’s being done.

After only six months of consultation, work started on the project 12 months ago, and the pathway will soon extend down Goroke Street to the Inverloch surf beach carpark.

Mr O’Neill wonders how long it will take.

“They’ve still got to do all the road crossings,” he said.

“The pathway will become a maintenance nightmare.”

According to Mr O’Neill, the washaways were absolutely predictable and avoidable.

“With weeds and washaways, they’ll have to end up asphalting it.”

Mr O’Neill said the fall of the land adjacent to the pathway is 30 metres over 400 metres, and water just gushes to the lowest point.

“It’s built on the wrong side of the drain; there’s nothing to intercept the water before it hits the path.”

Currently crossing six driveways in Drowleys Road, Mr O’Neill said the pathway would only have crossed two driveways on the other side of the road.

“I’m disappointed it wasn’t done to a better specification and built to last.”

“Every time it rains, there will be another washout.”

Despite being 100 per cent behind the project, Mr O’Neill said he was disappointed by the quality of what is going to be dished up.

“It will be critical for bike hires, leading to more overnight stays.

“The pathway needs major drainage work, but that may be difficult,” said Mr O’Neill.

“We want to promote bike hire for our guests.”

“It could have been so simple.”

“A lot of vegetation has been removed, and the local koalas have disappeared.”

Another local resident suggested a boardwalk for this section.

“Every time contractors lay down track, it is washed away.

“The overflow runs right through where they are putting in the track,” she said.

“Do it once and do it properly,” said another.

Bass Coast Shire Council said the pathway was not finished and not yet open.

“The section has not been properly compacted as we are waiting for the utility pit to be lifted to the new path height, then we can compact.”

Supporters of the project agreed with Bass Coast Council.

“Once it’s actually finished and operational, it will be wonderful. Not supposed to be complete for many months yet. Easy to knock the council, let’s wait until it’s complete.”

A local farmer said the gravel looked like the material that is used for farm tracks all around South Gippsland.”

“I have used it myself. It can get very sloshy with rain till it compacts, but then, after, forms a very solid surface.”

Bass Coast Shire said project managers were available to discuss public concerns.