THE final stage of the Screw Creek Conservation Trail at Inverloch has been opened by Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead.
Screw Creek trail is a two-kilometre, natural-surface interpretive trail that winds through lowland forest in the Screw Creek Nature Conservation Reserve providing public access with minimal impact to vegetation and wildlife.
Screw Creek walking and observation trail was a community-driven project made possible by a team of dedicated volunteers, over many years, from the South Gippsland Conservation Society with support from the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation, Heath Cosgrove Charitable Fund, Bass Coast Shire Council, and Inverloch Rotary.
The first stage of the project started back in 1995.
“Originally it was partly cleared farmland,” said Project Convenor John Cuttriss.
“A developer wanted to turn the area into a large housing estate right up to the edge of Screw Creek.”
A development application submitted to Woorayl Shire was fiercely opposed by conservationists claiming it was the last remaining remnant bushland in Inverloch.
The South Gippsland Conservation Society joined with the then Inverloch Ratepayers and Residents Association to protest against the proposed housing estate.
Ten years later after numerous public meetings and planning applications the Screw Creek Nature Reserve was created in 2012.
The Screw Creek conservation trail consists of two kilometres of walking trails with directional bollards to guide you along the way.
Fourteen bollards have QR codes that link you to short videos about the history, environment and wildlife of the Screw Creek Nature Reserve and a trail map.
Volunteers worked for many years to construct the bridge and raised walking trail.
Videographer and editor Terry Melvin captured video perspectives of the reserve to enhance the trail experience.
Linda Cuttriss developed the interpretive trail content with individual presenters.
The Screw Creek trail is an extension of the Screw Creek nature walk accessible from Inverloch Foreshore Caravan Park just a short distance away.
The land is a public conservation and resource zone where dogs are not permitted.
For more information go to sgcs.org.au/screw-creek-trail.