CORANGAMITE Shire has released images of its $6.1 million 12 Apostles Trail and is calling for community input on the plans.
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The artist's impressions show sections of the Timboon to Port Campbell leg which will provide 20km of high-quality, off-road cycling and walking paths joining the Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail to Port Campbell.
Coastal Ward councillor Simon Illingworth encouraged residents to have their say on the project and to do it quickly.
"The trail leapfrogged numerous other projects because of its capacity to stimulate the economy because of COVID-19," he said.
"It's important that people give feedback so that we can expedite the decision making so that we can get people to work.
"If they want to comment then comment, but do it quickly because the decision making is going to be done a lot faster than usual."
Cr Illingowrth said the project was important to Port Campbell because the town had been hit hard economically due to the coronavirus restrictions.
"Probably a township like Port Campbell would be over and above the most affected small township in Australia because of its reliance on tourism," he said.
"The trail itself will be incredibly good for locals in terms of health and fitness.
"But also a major draw-card to get people to stay here and spend money here and ultimately to replace the hoards of bus tours that really leave us with nothing other then a bill for roads and toilets."
The trail will also include smaller rides and walks with the 7km Haywards Road return loop in Timboon and the Campbells Creek Bridge 2.5km loop in Port Campbell.
The council says the trail will improve the physical and mental health of the community and create jobs and business opportunities.
"Gourmet food and farm gate attractions will have a new kind of visitor as trail users are brought right to their doors," the council's website states.
"The trail aims to attract a new tourism market in addition to the day trippers who turn back at the Twelve Apostles and miss out on what the hinterland has to offer.
"Visitors will be able to take the train from Melbourne to Camperdown and cycle to the coast without a car adding to road congestion and greenhouse emissions."
The state government announced $4.5 million for the project in May.
The funds will be used with $2.22 million which Corangamite Shire allocated in its 2020-21 draft budget.
In May Corangamite Shire Mayor Neil Trotter said the project had been a priority for many years with a lot of work done by previous councils.
"We're in very challenging times and many of our residents have been impacted by the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic," he said.
"Construction of the 12 Apostles Trail will translate into immediate jobs for shire residents and income for local businesses during the downturn.
"It will create an ongoing asset that will continue to provide employment and recreation opportunities for our community into the future."
Online feedback on the project will close on Thursday, June 18.
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