Protesters on path to defeat

Jessica Benton
Two St Leonards households are fighting a losing battle against construction of a bike path across the front of their beachside homes, according to the Bellarine Peninsula’s foreshore manager.
Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer Tim Page-Walker said the residents’ protest had stopped work but completion of the project was inevitable.
The work would build a bike trail along the foreshore linking Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards.
“Only two people have complained about the trails and their concerns have been taken back to the committee of management,” Mr Page-Walker said.
“Until such time that a decision or agreement has been made, no work will be done in front of the immediate houses. The rest of the track is continuing to be built and will continue to be built.
“It’s only this 300-metre area of track that’s on hold.
“This area is unmade but the trail is still in existence there. This is part of the continued, ongoing foreshore walking and cycling trail.”
Mr Page-Walker said the foreshore area was Crown land, so residents had no ownership.
He expected a decision on how to proceed with the project before a committee meeting next week.
Resident Gabriella Newman said five generations of her family had enjoyed the foreshore area for more than 80 years.
“The main thing about this is it’s always been used by the public,” she said.
“We’re part of these people he’s talking about and we have a right along with everyone else. It’s Crown land and it belongs to us and everyone else.”
Ms Newman said a lack of public consultation on the project cast doubt over Bellarine Bayside’s confidence on the project.
“There’s a hidden agenda here,” she said.
Neighbour Dot Lenoury said maintaining the grass area would be “cheaper” than the bike path and residents could continue to mow the foreshore.
Ms Lenoury feared the gravel track would attract trail bike riders.