Shire finalising loop walk plans

SURF Coast Shire Council has unveiled plans for a new bridge that will help complete the Barwon River Loop Walk.

The shire has published concept designs of the new boardwalk pedestrian bridge set to be built during stage two of the of the loop north of the bluestone bridge.

The bridge will connect to the previously completed first stage and create a two-kilometre path linking Winchelsea’s four quadrants and connecting community members with the river environment.

“The bridge will replace an existing culvert crossing near Mercer Street, and viewing platforms will be on both banks of the river between the new bridge and the Princes Highway bluestone bridge,” the shire stated.

“Geotechnical investigations will be undertaken at the bridge and platform sites during the next month and will help inform detailed design of the structures.”

The shire said it had engaged an adviser to work on a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the project and would work with Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Registered Aboriginal Parties, with the river acting as a border between Countries.

Work began on stage one of the project in early 2020, after it was identified in a 2015 growth plan as Winchelsea’s highest infrastructure priority.