Lifesavers back ‘overdue’ 13th trails

Kim Waters
LIFESAVERS have backed “long overdue” plans for walking and cycling trails through 13th Beach dunes.
13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Peter Sutas said Barwon Coast Committee of Manage-ment’s proposal was a “win-win situation”.
“Our members have given in-principle support because of the safety factor of people not having to walk on the road to get to the beach or the club,” Mr Sutas said.
“If people are walking on dedicated trails it also means they won’t be trampling the surrounding roadside vegetation like what’s happening at the moment.”
The plans include a two-metre-wide, unsealed track through dunes from 13th Beach’s Signpost car park to the life saving club on the north side of the road. The other proposed unsealed tracks are from Stephens Parade to either the Signpost or Beacon car parks.
Objectors shot down an initial trails proposal in 2007, fearing environmental damage.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said the organisation would “examine” the new proposal “in detail”.
“We would hope that as little vegetation is destroyed as possible. At least the tracks are inland rather than on the ocean side of the road, which is positive.”
Barwon Coast’s Bob Jordan said the committee had put the plan out for public comment until February, after which it would seek approvals.