Boats, trails and bowls

IT IS ALWAYS nice to be able to provide positive updates on local projects.

There is a lot going on in the Bellarine ward – as there is across the municipality generally – and I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know where some of these are at.

Firstly, the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour car park is progressing well, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

This facility has become increasingly popular in recent times but has struggled to meet demand.

The parking upgrade will undoubtedly make a major difference to the harbour, which has been identified as a growth area, and Council is grateful to the state and federal governments for their contributions to the project.

The City received approval from the Federal Government to allocate $200,000 from Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants program towards the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour car park, which was boosted by Better Boating Victoria’s (BBV) grant for $600,000.

The extension and formalising of the boat harbour car park to improve access for the recreational boating and fishing community will be an invaluable addition for many years to come.

Not too far from here is the Beacon Point Trail, which is undergoing works that are set to be completed in the coming months.

These works are progressing well with east and west sections complete and the north link underway.

This has been made possible as a result of $360,000 funding from the Victorian government, and $180,000 of funding from Council.

Starting at a beach access point opposite Cantata Way, the 800-metre shared trail will run along the cliff’s edge to Beacon Point Reserve, and then south along the eastern boundary of the reserve to finish on High Ridge Drive.

The reserve is the largest flat open space area east of the boat harbour and provides magnificent 180-degree views across Port Phillip Bay.

Signage, trail information and seating will also be built along the path with native and indigenous plants species planted to revegetate the area.

Further around the peninsula works on stage two of the St Leonards Skate Park will begin later this month.

The first stage of this project has been completed, with underground services installed, multi-sports courts resurfaced and lined, and two new basketball rings, as well as two new netball rings and futsal goals, installed on site.

Council has contributed $310,000 to this project, which has been aided by $360,000 from the state government, and we expect construction to be completed by November.

This will be an ideal time as the summer holidays draw closer and tourists flock to the region.

Finally, works on the new pavilion at the Barwon Heads Bowling Club are tracking well.

This is a $1.2 million facility jointly funded by Council ($500,000), the Federal government ($500,000) and the state government ($200,000).

Construction on the new social area, an undercover veranda for spectators and storage spaces – including a kitchen, bar, amenities and office – began in December.

The external cladding and electrical rough has been finished and now insulation and internal cladding is underway.

The estimated construction completion for the pavilion works is August, which will mean it will be in use for the upcoming season.

As you can see there is lots going on, and I look forward to visiting these sites when these projects are all finished.

Cr Jim Mason

Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong