Twelve Apostles Trail funding would counter pandemic downturn

Published on 15 April 2020

The Twelve Apostles Trail could be a lifeline for jobs and businesses during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown and expected post-pandemic downturn.

Corangamite Shire Council has called on Federal and Victorian governments to fast-track funding.

At their March meeting Councillors said the Commonwealth and State governments could transform stage one of the trail, from Timboon to Port Campbell, into a major regional stimulus project.

Mayor Neil Trotter said the project had been on the books for as long as he had been on Council, and probably longer.

“It’s a vital link from the hinterland to the coast,” he said.

“It will greatly improve the visitor experience and lead to greater productivity and diversity in the tourism sector. It will improve the yield to local businesses catering to tourists when they return after the coronavirus shutdown ends.”

Cr Trotter, who represents South Ward where the trail will connect to the Camperdown Rail Trail in Timboon, said the project had strong community support.

“It is a complementary follow-on to the streetscape improvements to the towns in the north—Camperdown, Timboon and Cobden this year—so it’s going to complement the work that has already been done.”

While detailed designs for the project are currently underway, stage one is expected to cost $6.2 million with $1.7million from Council and a $4.5 million ask from State and Federal governments.

“We’ve allocated money to it. We only need the Federal and State Governments to come to the party and contribute to this,” Cr Trotter said.

“It will be a stimulus for employment in this area. I think that’s something that’s going to be needed. It’s time we had a commitment from the governments to financially support the project.”

Cr Simon Illingworth, from Coastal Ward where Stage 1 will end in Port Campbell and stage two will continue to Princetown via the Twelve Apostles, implored the Federal Government to fast-track this initiative.

“The downturn in our tourism economy provides a unique opportunity to construct while visitors are not here,” he said.

“Now is the time to move, when we can fill accommodation with construction workers.”

He said the project would use local materials, suppliers, labourers, experts, and contractors.

“The trail should leapfrog all other projects because of COVID-19: it will employ hundreds of people and can be done safely. Workers can be siloed, work in small teams or even on their own.

“This, like the Great Ocean Road 100 years ago, has the capacity to give people a worthwhile job during a significant economic downturn.

“Whilst federal assistance packages are needed at this time, it is not sustainable and doesn’t provide people with a long term sense of purpose like work does. This project should be the next step in economic stimulus from the government.”

Council Director Works and Services Brooke Love said the first section of the trail would provide a vital link for the local community, businesses in Port Campbell and Timboon, and visitors to the region.

“It will allow access to the coast from the train in Camperdown by using the existing rail trail and create a unique point of difference for this region,” Mrs Love said. 

“The experience will encourage new businesses for trail users, particularly around cyclists and nature-based activities, as well as the potential for expansion in produce, accommodation, and other visitor-focussed businesses.”

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