A safer route is coming to the Surf Coast Shire for people travelling across Bellbrae, Jan Juc and Torquay for school and recreation.
Council will soon begin work in Jan Juc to provide a 65-metre-long and 1.8-metre-wide path connecting with the Strathmore Drive-Great Ocean Road pedestrian crossing.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said the path was a preliminary project for council in the lead-up to two planned pathway projects which encouraged “people to rely less on cars”.
Projects would include an asphalt upgrade of Old Great Ocean Road from Bellbrae Reserve to Christian College and constructing a new 1.1-kilometre pathway extension from the college to Duffields Road.
“While the pathway works were always a planned project for council, it’s great that they fit in with the community’s vision,” Ms Pattison said.
“It’s fantastic to watch as the Ridgeline Trail comes to life piece by piece, so it can provide a safer, and stunning, route for locals and visitors, whether they’re travelling by foot or bike.”
The Jan Juc pathway aligns with the Ridgeline Trail Community Vision, which aims to create a scenic 3.7-kilometre trail along the Spring Creek Valley ridgeline.
Ridgeline Trail community champion Shauna Burford said the trail connected the community to nature, each other, the country and culture.
“It will create a fun and safe journey for children, their families and others, as well as a great view and a nature experience,” she said.
“It is being brought to life by the local community. So many groups have got involved including school families, local environmental and community groups, and local businesses.”
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/RidgelineTrail to keep up to date with the Ridgeline Community Trail Vision.
