Apollo Bay-Skenes Creek Trail dumped from City Deal

ONE of the main projects along the Great Ocean Road in the Geelong City Deal has been dumped after nearly $1 million was spent on it.

The Apollo Bay (Wild Dog Creek) to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail was one of four Great Ocean Road infrastructure projects between Lorne and Apollo Bay slated to be built as part of the $370 million partnership over 10 years between local, state and federal governments.

To be built between the two coastal towns, the $5 million trail was to be fully funded by the federal government and was expected to be finished later this year.

It was planned to stretch nearly 3km and incorporate path improvements, seating, viewing platforms, signage bridges and cantilevered walkways to better show off the famous coastline to visitors.

According to the 2021 Geelong City Deal annual progress report – the most recent available on the City Deal website – planning and design consultant Michael Smith and Associates had started the project, with the entire team visiting the site in February 2021.

“The team are now in the process of seeking approval, prior to detailing construction ctivities,” the report stated.

“Feature and Level Surveys have commenced, in order to identify critical flora and fauna zone, cultural heritage artefacts and existing service assets.”

However, earlier this month, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and the Colac Otway Shire both announced the trail would no longer be part of the Geelong City Deal.

GORCAPA’s statement noted the authority was established to deliver the Geelong City Deal’s Great Ocean Road projects.

“The Australian and Victorian governments have decided not to proceed with the trail project after extensive planning and design works determined a coastal trail could have long term impacts to the fragile coastal environment.”

GORCAPA also stated the remaining $4 million would stay within the Geelong City Deal program.

In its statement, the Colac Otway Shire said all three levels of government had been collaborating on implementing the Geelong City Deal projects since 2019.

“Several challenges and opportunities across all projects have emerged, prompting a review process in 2022.

“The review has resulted in a recommendation that involves adjustments to scope, budgets and timeframes across the four Great Ocean Road projects. This includes the conclusion of the Apollo Bay (Wild Dog Creek) to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail, as agreed by the Australian and Victorian governments.

“While this has been a difficult decision, it is important that projects consider the fragile coastal environment on which they are located to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the Great Ocean Road region for years to come.”