The first leg of the Twelve Apostles Trail is ready for cyclists, hikers and runners to enjoy south of Timboon.
Timboon resident Michael Broomhall was very happy after his first ride on the trail.
“I rode my bike from home in Timboon down beside the supermarket and then out as far as the Schulz dairy underpass and back. I mainly went to see what progress had been made on the bridge on Glerums Lane – and it was finished and open!
“I was most impressed that I got as far as the Schulz underpass on completed trail.
“It is great to have another trail to ride. It is a great asset for Timboon—and other—cyclists and walkers.
“I can’t wait until I can ride to Port Campbell – definitely only one way!”
Corangamite Shire Council Director Works and Services Brooke Love said the all-weather path provides an easy 11 km round trip between attractions including Timboon Fine Ice-Cream, the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Schulz Organic Dairy.
“Much of the 20 km trail has reached practical completion but there are a few linking sections to be finalised,” Mrs Love said.
The trail project received $4.5 million from the State Government’s Building Works package and $800,000 from the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
“The Glerums Road boardwalk has been finished and connects the sections of trail through Power Creek Reserve and alongside Port Campbell Road as far as Ford and Fell’s Road.
“Fortunately materials were bought last year so we haven’t been hit by delays that are affecting the availability of steel supplies because of COVID-19.
“A concrete floodway has been built over the Power Creek on Timboon Peterborough Road. These works mean the trail can be used in any weather through winter.
“Wannon Water has installed a new water point at the start of Power Creek Walking Trail in Timboon for people to fill their bottles.
“Council acknowledges Wannon Water’s support through the Water For Community – Sponsorship Program. They fully funded supply and installation. It will be a great asset for our trail users.
Mrs Love said the bridges over the four cattle underpasses were yet to be installed at various points along the trail.
“We have awarded the contract for those works this month and hope to have them complete for the peak visitor season over summer.
“At the moment trail users would have to ride on the road to bypass those cattle crossings, which is not ideal. Users are reminded to use caution and follow the road rules if they leave the off-road parts of the trail.”
The contract for the key connection from Curdievale Port Campbell Road to the lookout over Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road was awarded at the March Council meeting. It is anticipated this work will start soon.
Installation of recycled plastic signs, fence posts, chicanes and bollards is almost complete despite some delays due to pandemic effects on the supply chain. The recycled materials were funded through the Twelve Apostles Trail – ‘Closing the Loop’ project funded from Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Infrastructure Fund.
Council is preparing for delivering the last leg which will see the trail arrive in Port Campbell.
