Call to resume bid for track along 13th

Jessica Benton
Lifesavers have reignited the push for a controversial walking track along 13th Beach to improve road safety.
Spokesperson Greg Brown said 13th Beach Life Saving Club had asked authorities to resume investigations into development of a track from the Bluff to Black Rock or the club’s building.
“The club has pressed for such a track for some years and was disappointed at the failure for the last proposed route to be acted upon,” he said.
“We urge the custodian, Barwon Coast, to institute this process as soon as possible.”
Barwon Coast Committee of Management tried to develop a walking and cycling trail along the beach last year but dumped the plan amid angry objections from environmentalists and residents.
Objectors feared the trail along the ocean side of 13th Beach would lead to removal of vegetation and damage the dunes.
Mr Brown said the bumper summer holiday season had highlighted the dangers of the existing road along 13th Beach.
“Now we’re at the end of another holiday season in which the inadequacy of the current road structure to cope with the many visitors using different modes of transport was blindingly obvious,” he said.
“There are many minor accidents and plenty of near misses, generally involving pedestrians, runners and cyclists along the stretch of road.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management general manager Bob Jordan said his organisation was “slowly” investigating trail options.
“The committee has requested to look into other ways we could get a trail up to the life saving club,” he said.
“There’s a number of options on the cards, such as trying to link up the end of Stephens Parade to the club.
“We’ve also spoken with council officers about widening the road and constructing cycle lanes but this is becoming quite a difficult issue because of vegetation removal.”