Community secures funding for walking tracks

Published on 21 May 2021

Pictured: Port Campbell residents from left Kayleen Deppeler, Julie Brazier, Beach Energy's Blair McNaught, and Port Campbell Progress Group's Jon McLeod.  

The Port Campbell community is set to add two more sections to its growing walking trail network.

Beach Energy has announced $25,000 on top of Corangamite Shire’s $10,000 to design and construct a walking track linking McRae and McCue streets, and another section linking Pitcher and Hennessy streets.

The new 200 metre track between McRae and McCue streets will be built on Council road reserve behind Southern Ocean Villas.

The other 120 metre section will be built on road reserve that runs alongside the recreation reserve boundary creating a connection between Hennessy and Pitcher streets.

Both sections will be constructed from local compacted limestone similar to the Two Mile Bay walking track.

The project will be advertised for quote later this month, with local contractors encouraged to apply.

Port Campbell Progress Group President Amanda Nash said the track off McCue street would link the town to a popular local walking route.

“Residents who walk up past the transfer station will be able to access McRae street via this new track instead of walking along the Great Ocean Road or Pitcher Street,” Mrs Nash said.

She added that much of the surrounding vegetation would be retained, creating a ‘green tunnel’ to walk through.

“The track will wind through native scrub adjoining National Park, so a strong focus of the project is minimum impact on surrounding vegetation.”

“Thanks to Beach Energy and Corangamite Shire for contributing funds to this project, and to the hard work and advocacy of residents in the town over the past seven years.

Contact information: Brooke Barnewall Communications Coordinator

Phone: 03 5593 7217 Email: [email protected]

Media Release Date Friday 14 May

Mrs Nash said the Shire community projects team of Lauren Molan and Garry Moorfield had done a lot of work behind the scenes.

“The support they give to communities is really making a difference,” Mrs Nash said.

Beach Energy Community Relations Manager Blair McNaught said they were excited to be contributing to an important piece of walking infrastructure.

“It is a great initiative driven by the community that we are really happy to support,” Mr McNaught said.

Coastal Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels said a better walking network within the township would provide more options for people to enjoy nature, as well as staying active and healthy.

“The number one priority identified by the community back in 2013 was the development of biking and walking tracks connecting Port Campbell to rail trails and the Great Ocean Walk, as well as creating a network in Port Campbell,” Cr Vogels said.

“Well done to residents, the Progress Group, and thank you to Beach Energy for making this project a reality.”