Trail ‘go-ahead’ shock

Jessica Benton
A CONTROVERSIAL walking trail through internationally recognised wetlands at Barwon Heads is set to go ahead, according to the town’s ward councillor.
Peter McMullin said he expected council to approve the trail around Barwon Heads and through Murtnaghurt Lagoon.
He expected council to release plans for the trail in the next month and to allocate funding in City Hall’s budget for 2007/2008.
“I’ll be supporting an allocation for this project and the project is fairly well supported within council,” he said.
The lagoon is listed under an international RAMSAR convention, aimed at protecting environmentally significant wetlands.
The trail also passes through a part of the lagoon open to duck hunting.
Environmentalists and shooters formed an unlikely alliance against the project when the Independent in 2006 revealed council’s plan to build the trail.
A council feasibility study on the project said construction would include a boardwalk through wetlands, removal of vegetation and “disturbing” waterbirds and other wildlife.
Cr McMullin said the project had a couple of “outstanding issues” related to environmental impacts and duck hunting.
However, he was confident the issues would be “addressed”.
Cr McMullin said the walking trail would benefit Barwon Heads given its draft structure plan called for “a walking and cycling environment”.
“This project provides the opportunity to circumnavigate the town in varying modes of transport,” he said.
“The trail will take in rivers and wetlands and other areas of significance.”
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros was “outraged” to hear council was proceeding with the project.
“Considering it’s a RAMSAR-listed area, I can’t believe it could go through,” she said.
“It’s a much-too-valuable area.
“Of course it’s lovely for people to be able to enjoy the area but it’s more important to protect it.”
Ms Lindros said the boardwalk section of the trail through the lagoon would destroy valuable vegetation and introduce feral animals. Council could expect a strong fight from environmentalists and the community, she warned.
Geelong Gun and Rod Club president Mick Veitch said the proposed trail was in the wrong place.
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