Construction of the long-awaited Twelve Apostles Trail has started at Timboon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Stage one of the trail, from Timboon to Port Campbell, will provide 19 kilometres of high-quality, off-road cycling and walking path.
The first section involves clearing, widening and improving 1.5 kilometres of existing track at Power Creek Reserve, between Lambert Street and Glerums Road.
Corangamite Shire Council chief executive officer Andrew Mason said construction would be done by a local contractor, which employed local Corangamite people.
"Right off the bat, businesses and workers in the shire are benefiting from this multi million project," Mr Mason said. "Five newly employed council staff started preparing the site in July, clearing debris, trimming back vegetation and widening the track so it can be resheeted.
"A local quarry will benefit from material being bought nearby and other business in the shire will benefit from supply chain purchases.
"Fuel will be bought from local suppliers, so there really is a wide range of flow-on benefits for the local economy. This is a great opportunity to provide financial stimulus for the community during challenging times, and will result in a fantastic asset for tourism health and lifestyle."
The Power Creek Reserve Committee has supported the project. A spokesman for the Twelve Apostles Trail Committee said it was a milestone moment.
"The speed and tenacity which Corangamite Shire have moved with the project since funding was announced has been fantastic, in particular we want to acknowledge the tireless work of director works and services Brooke Love, who is the beating heart of the project," he said. "Timboon is set to be an early beneficiary of these works and excitement in the community is visible with more locals on bikes than ever before. The long held dream of riding to the beach from Timboon is eagerly awaited."
The path will be closed to the public while works are in progress.
Listen to the latest episode of our weekly episode The Booletin and Beyond:
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
