New path to be first link in Ridgeline Trail

THE Surf Coast Shire is preparing to start the first works on a scenic trail that will eventually connect Bellbrae, Jan Juc and Torquay.

Students from Bellbrae Primary School and Christian College Geelong’s Surf Coast Campus travel along the service road to get to and from school, and the community has long called for a permanent solution for the benefit of all three communities.

Works are scheduled to begin in the term one school holidays on a new 65m concrete path to connect with the Strathmore Drive-Great Ocean Road pedestrian crossing, recently installed by the state government.

It will be 1.8m wide, making it a shared path for users including cyclists and students scooting to school, prams and people walking their dogs.

Access to the pedestrian crossing will be maintained during construction.

The shire says the path is a preliminary project ahead of two planned pathways under the Ridgeline Trail Community Vision, which aims to create a scenic 3.7km trail that runs along the Spring Creek Valley ridgeline.

The two planned pathways are an asphalt upgrade of the 2.6km Old Great Ocean Road from Bellbrae Reserve to Christian College; and a new 1.1km pathway extension from Christian College to Duffields Road.

Both are going through a design process and are scheduled to be completed this year.

“It’s fantastic to watch as the Ridgeline Trail comes to life piece by piece, so it can provide a safer – and stunning – route for locals and visitors, whether they’re travelling by foot or bike,” Cr Liz Pattison said.

We welcome any initiative that encourages people to rely less on cars.

“While the pathway works were always a planned project for council, it’s great that they fit in with the community’s vision.

“Council helped community champions capture the Ridgeline Trail Community Vision through our Community Project Development Program, which empowers locals to develop and deliver projects to make their community an even better place to live.”

Ridgeline Trail community champion Shauna Burford said the trail connected people to nature, to each other, to Country and culture.

“It is being brought to life by the local community. So many groups have got involved including school families, local environmental and community groups, and local businesses.

“To build the trail we have been working with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Council, state government, and utility providers.

“It will create a fun and safe journey for children, their families and others, as well as a great view and a nature experience.”

Emily Torney, president of the school council at Bellbrae Primary School, welcomed the new path.

“This project will provide a safer route to school for Bellbrae Primary students and their families, while also encouraging increased active travel among the student cohort,” she said.

Christian College Geelong executive principal Dr Mathilda Joubert said her school was very supportive of the overall project.

“Not only will this development provide families and children the opportunity to walk or ride to and from school along a safe and secure pathway; it will also enable students to become more aware of their natural environment and the cultural significance of areas along the trail and through the Spring Creek valley.”