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Concept For Surf Parade Pathway Revealed

Bass Coast Shire Council has revealed the concept plans for the shared pathway along Surf Parade in Inverloch.

By Bass Coast - 20th January 2015 - Back to News

Council's Acting General Manager Infrastructure, Cohen Van Der Velde, said the planning and design for the project had progressed, as well as the integration of improved traffic controls.

"This is a very important project for both residents and visitors in Inverloch," Mr Van Der Velde said.

"We not only have footpath designs, but also the development of landscape designs and further detail regarding the delivery of the project.

"The pathway design provides a different mix of coloured surfaces and the theme has been extended to the traffic calming devices with low level landscaping."

Mr Van Der Velde said the shared pathway is embedded in Bass Coast’s planning scheme, which seeks to provide bicycle and pedestrian paths along coastal roads and streets.

"Construction of this section is the final part of the Inverloch foreshore pathway in line with the planning scheme and the supporting Bass Coast Bicycle Strategy," Mr Van Der Velde said.

"The planning scheme also states a need to provide a variety of pathways for pedestrians and cyclists that link directly to recreational areas, the coast, and other areas of natural beauty or cultural significance.

"The Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club is an important asset and the path supports better access and connectivity to this facility."

Mr Van Der Velde said the section between Ayr Creek and Cape Paterson Road is expected to be completed over the next four years in a number of stages extending from Ayr Creek.

"The first stage will extend from the end of the existing path near Abbott Street for approximately 150 metres and will include a bridge over Ayr Creek with a viewing platform looking out to sea," Mr Van Der Velde said.

"The following two stages are planned to extend the path through to Cape Paterson Road.

"Each stage is expected to be approximately one kilometre in length; however this will be dependent on the funding available from State Government."

Based on the current concept design, the cost of the entire project is estimated to be around $1.5 million.

While the pathway will reduce the availability of informal parking along Surf Parade at peak times, the proposed project will provide defined parking at beach access points to cater for the normal demands.

Mr Van Der Velde said there has been community support for the foreshore pathway, with the existing section that currently finishes at Abbott Street is overwhelmed with cyclists and pedestrians of all ages, particularly during summer.

"This extension of the pathway will enhance that usage, and encourage people to leave their cars at home and enjoy the walk and ride to the Surf Beach and beyond," Mr Van Der Velde said.

"This in turn will minimise the demand for parking during these peak times.

"The combination of traffic calming devices intended to reduce vehicle speed with clear pedestrian crossings will make the road safer overall."

The inclusion of traffic calming devices and crossing points will be partially funded with $97,000 from the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Nation Building Blackspot Program.

Mr Van Der Velde said the pathway design has taken into account the impact on the environment and the removal of vegetation.

"Minimising the impact to vegetation will see a slight reduction of available road width, as the two traffic lanes will be reduced to a minimum width; however this will also assist in reducing vehicle speed along the road," Mr Van Der Velde said.

"While some vegetation will be required to be removed, extensive planting will be undertaken as part of the project.

"In addition to this, vegetation removal offsets will be bought through the Native Vegetation Offset Scheme which will assist in protecting and strengthening the existing native vegetation at Little Screw Creek.

"Vegetated swales will also collect stormwater, allowing it to soak away into the sandy beach soils and protecting the coastal environment from stormwater runoff."

Council is keen to see the path extend through to the end of Inverloch’s residential area along Surf Parade, eventually continuing through to Wonthaggi as recommended in the planning scheme.

For further information on this project, please contact Council’s Infrastructure Division on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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