Barwon Heads students have a one-track mind

BARWON Heads students have caught the government’s attention over plans to build their own community bike track.

Kardinia International College student Freddie Imhoff, 13, and Barwon Heads Primary School student Albert Imhoff, 9, are leading the charge to gain the City of Greater Geelong’s support.

The brothers have teamed up with fellow students to lobby for local government funding and endorsement to build their own ‘Discovery Bike Path’ at Barwon Heads ‘Pirate Park’.

The Discovery Bike Path has been a dream in the making, with Freddie first raising the proposal in Grade 6.

Now gaining traction, Freddie’s mission has caught the attention of Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson who met with students earlier this month, as well as helping up to 15 students arrange a meeting with the City of Greater Geelong councillors and Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher.

“Our dream started three years ago when we painted this totem pole which would mark the start of the bike track,” Freddie said.

“We would like to build our own bike track with the help of a project manager, to allow the children of Barwon Heads to contribute to the community themselves and stand with other communities who value working together in an environmentally friendly way – outdoors.”

Ms Henderson said she was delighted to see the positive impact the students’ campaign was having in the costal town.

“I fully support a Barwon Heads bike path and hope this dream becomes a reality,” she said.

The ambitious team of locals first spoke with council during the City of Greater Geelong’s recent meeting hosted in Highton, before councillors visited the students again in Barwon Heads.

“It’s really positive to see young people taking an interest in the future of their town and advocating for improved facilities,” Cr Asher said.

“I have encouraged the boys to have their say on the draft Village Park Master Plan, to make it clear that they would like to see the proposed bike track included in the final plan and that they are keen to be involved in the design.”

One of the recommendations under the current draft plans is to, “develop a designated bike discovery area in partnership with the community to support the creation, use and maintenance of a safe and challenging bike experience for kids in the area north of the playspace”.

“This initiative would be great for the Barwon Heads community and I will keep advocating for council to fund the project,” Freddie said.

“Students getting involved in local infrastructure is a fantastic step forward in all senses of the word – increasing empowerment and taking pride in their communities.”

The draft Barwon Heads Village Master Plan is available for community feedback until June 11.