Beach path opens

PEDESTRIANS and cyclists will enjoy safer trips between Barwon Heads and Thirteenth Beach following the opening of a new shared trail.

The 450-metre-long gravel path connects a car park at the end of Stephens Parade with the Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

The path received joint funding from the State Government ($300,000) and the City of Greater Geelong ($200,000), and was delivered in partnership with Barwon Coast, which manages nearby coastal Crown land.

Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher said the new trail was part of a wider Shared Trails Master Plan which aims to create connected trials across the municipality.

“Trails make it easier for people to choose a healthy, safe and low-cost option of moving around their community,” Cr Asher said.

“The Thirteenth Beach shared trail encourages residents and visitors to travel between key areas in the town by foot or by bike.”

Fellow Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said the trails were aimed at a variety of users.

“The Shared Trails initiative focuses on safe and direct links to make it easier for people to enjoy a leisurely stroll, walk the dog or ride a bicycle to popular locations.

“We’re really encouraging people to choose a shared trail because it will lead to healthier residents, less congestion on our roads and better environmental outcomes.”