The Kingston Bay Trail to celebrate local heritage and greenery

12 December 2018

Construction on the long-awaited next leg of the Bay Trail will soon commence, with a contractor appointed to begin works between the Mentone Life Saving Club and Rennison Street in Parkdale.

Kingston Council has approved a total budget of $3.4 million to complete the next section of the Bay Trail which will provide a safe off-road cycling and walking path next to the foreshore.

"After 25 years of talk, Kingston is 100% committed to finally build the Bay Trail path filling in a significant missing section between Port Melbourne and Seaford. This will give young and inexperienced cyclists an alternative to riding along busy Beach Road,” said Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley.

“Our plan meets all VicRoads and Australian safety standards, is supported by Bicycle Network Victoria as safe for cyclists and provides plenty of parking while protecting the most environmentally significant areas of vegetation.” 

At the December Council Meeting, Council also voted to transform Beach Road into a welcoming destination featuring a boulevard of honour tree plantings.

The boulevard will feature native plantings with ecological experts to advise on the most suitable tree species from a range of native species such as Coastal Banksias, Drooping Sheoak, Bottle Brush or Coastal Manna Gums.

“The Boulevard of honour will also feature a social and cultural path, which celebrates our city’s history,” said Cr Oxley. “It could highlight the contributions of our local indigenous community, Kingston’s Citizens of the Year and local artists.”

The plan was approved by Council and a report on the best way to proceed with the social and cultural path is expected to be presented to Council in February.

Council will also continue discussions with VicRoads around final planning for changes to Beach Road, with Council stating it will cover the costs of building the Bay Trail but will not use ratepayer funds to cover an additional $1.5 million in unnecessary resurfacing works requested by VicRoads.

Instead, Kingston Council wants to look at alternative road treatments, such as the one used on Beach Road in the neighbouring municipality of Bayside.

“Kingston was asked to foot the bill to re-sheet the surface of Beach Road, however we don’t believe this is fair or the most appropriate use of rate payers’ money, when there is a cost-effective and safe alternative treatment which has been proven to work,” said Cr Oxley.

The Mayor said that the Bay Trail works are long overdue and come following extensive community consultation.

“Community consultation included mail-outs to 4000 homes, two community drop-in sessions plus online engagement on the Your Kingston Your Say website with a number of changes made following some great suggestions from the community.”