IT WAS a huge day of new projects for Bass Coast when the Early Childhood and Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt visited on Thursday, July 27 with the headline announcement being funding for an $8.33 million coastal trail between San Remo and Inverloch.
There was also $1.5 million to restore Wonthaggi’s famous State Coal Mine and to reopen underground tours.
Plus the Minister also officially opened an expanded Drysdale Street Kindergarten in Wonthaggi.
It was quite a day.
Under the main announcement, down by the coast, the State Government is set establish an iconic coastal trail in the new Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park - stretching between San Remo and Inverloch on Bunurong Country.
Minister Stitt visited the area to provide details about the $8.33 million project which will extend the George Bass Coastal Walk creating a 32-kilometre journey along the park’s rugged coastline, beaches and dunes.
“The trail will allow more people to enjoy this stunning coastal area through improved access, upgrades, new facilities and better links between coastal towns,” said Minister Stitt.
“Linking existing trails to create a new long-distance walk will create even more reasons for people to visit this spectacular region,” she said.
“The Victoria’s great outdoors program is not only providing more ways for people to enjoy nature, but it will also support local economies and boost regional tourism.”
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale warmly welcomed the news.
"Once delivered, this trail promises to be one of the most scenic trails in Victoria,” said Ms Crugnale, highlighting the boost to the local tourist economy the new coastal trail would provide.
“I can’t wait for visitors to explore and marvel at our beautiful coastlines."
Construction in 2024
With construction expected to begin in 2024, it will deliver three new lookouts for visitors to witness spectacular views at popular coastal sites of Punchbowl, The Arch and Eagles Nest.
Trail links will be added to connect the existing network so people can walk all the way from The Punchbowl in San Remo to Cape Paterson, while car parking, signage and visitor information will also be upgraded.
The State Government is working in partnership with Parks Victoria, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Bass Coast Shire Council to create the trail.
Traditional Owners, stakeholders and hundreds of community members have been active in shaping the design for Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park as well as the route and facilities for the new trail.
The new trail is being funded through the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, helping more people from all walks of life, get out and explore the state, while enjoying the health benefits of spending time in nature.
The $106.6 million program also established the new Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park in 2021 by combining existing parks and reserves along a 40-kilometre stretch of coastline between San Remo and Inverloch.
To find out more about the project go to parks.vic.gov.au/projects.
