Boardwalk to protect environment and improve coastal access

THE installation of new boardwalks at Indented Head will provide locals with easier access to the beach and key coastal areas.

Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant joined staff from Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management last Friday to signal the completion of the works.

The accessible, safe and defined boardwalks will not only provide easy access to the beach, but help protect a remnant area of Coastal Saltmarsh, an endangered vegetation on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Coastal Saltmarsh provides important habitat for local and migratory birds, including the critically endangered, Orange-bellied Parrot.

The boardwalks have been designed to keep ground disturbance to a minimum and are of a low-lying design to ensure minimal impact on the coastal amenity and views.

Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant said the boardwalk project was a huge win for the community.

“This boardwalk project will provide many benefits to the community including enabling more accessibility between the Bellarine Coastal Trail and our local beaches, whilst ensuring there is minimal impact to the surrounding environment.”

Bellarine Bayside chair, Melanie Rogers said the boardwalk project addressed various aspects of their mission.

“Two of our key focus areas are protecting the natural environment and improving accessibility along the coast.

“The boardwalk project has achieved both, providing wide, safe and easy access to the beach while protecting the valuable Coastal Saltmarsh from being trampled and compacted.”cThe boardwalks will provide locals with accessible and safe ways to the beach and key coastal areas.