IT WAS a case of one door closes and another door opens, across two days last week, for the Bass Coast Shire Council with a $1 million pay day at the end of it!
At the urging of Phillip Island councillor Tim O’Brien, the council removed the proposed Cowes to Ventnor foreshore trail from its list of priority projects at its meeting last Wednesday, to recognise the value of the fragile nature of the foreshore reserve between Osborne Road Cowes and Grossard Point Ventnor.
Then, they very next day, on Thursday, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, announced that Bass Coast was to receive $980,000 for “a new shared path to link the townships of Cowes and Ventnor for visitors and locals alike” via Ventnor Road.
As well as providing an alternative to the controversial foreshore route, the 2.5-metre-wide concrete shared path, ultimately running 4.5-kilometre between Cowes and Ventnor will also benefit connection to the Hilton Chadwick Reserve when it is finally developed as the sporting and aquatic precinct the whole community wants to see.
“Victorians will have more opportunities to walk, cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to support from the Albanese Government,” Minister King said in her announcement last week.
“From Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges, we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns.
“Whether you’re on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, we’re making it easier for people to get to school, work or local services, without having to jump in the car,” said Ms King.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, welcomed new of the funding for stage one of the path, running 2km along Ventnor Road.
“This is a fantastic investment in Phillip Island’s active transport network. Shared pathways like this not only provide safer connections between townships but also support healthier, more sustainable ways for people to get around,” Cr Halstead said.
“We know there is strong demand for better walking and cycling infrastructure in Bass Coast, and this funding will help us deliver a high-quality path that meets the needs of both locals and visitors.”
The Ventnor Road shared path was one of only 19 projects funded under the Australian Government’s new Active Transport Program, which is investing $21 million to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across Victoria.
Construction is expected to commence following the detailed design phase.