Bass Coast Shire Council has resolved to begin the statutory process to discontinue public roads within Phillip Island’s Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that these roads are no longer required for general public access.
“Discontinuing these former road reserves is the next step towards consolidation of the titles for this site into single parcel, which will help to improve management practices into the future,” Cr Whelan said.
The roads that are proposed to be discontinued include Banksia Grove, Acacia Avenue, Grevillea Grove, Melaleuca Avenue, Baeckia Grove, Coorea Avenue, Boobialla Road, Manna Street, and Ballart Avenue.
The road discontinuance process requires consultation with the community and Council must consider any submissions made before making a final decision.
Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve originated as a subdivision from the 1960s (Scenic Estate), which in the 1980s was deemed by the State Government to be inappropriate for development.
It sat dormant for 30 years until 2013, when Council resolved that Scenic Estate would be managed for environmental conservation.
“Council worked with Phillip Island Nature Parks (PINP), Parks Victoria and the State Government to develop this 28-hectare site of natural bushland, which was opened for the community and visitors to explore from July 2015,” Cr Whelan said.
“The Reserve, which is now managed by PINP and Council, was created for the public to enjoy and includes boardwalks and viewing platforms, forming an important part of our tracks and trails network on Phillip Island.
“It overlooks a world heritage RAMSAR wetland and provides a home for native wildlife, many species of native birds including six species of threatened birds, and endangered grasslands and indigenous vegetation,” Cr Whelan concluded.
