Funds snag blocks 13th upgrade bid

TOM BENNETT
A PROPOSAL to upgrade 13th Beach Road and rename it after cycling champion Cadel Evans has hit a stumbling block.
Councillor Andy Richards said no money was available for the project.
“The council has no budget for road works in this area. In order for the project to go ahead it will need to be funded by federal and state governments.”
Cr Richards said council had other priorities.
“We’ll concentrate on improving pedestrian and bike safety within the town (of Barwon Heads) itself,” he said.
But Cr Richards believed the proposal to upgrade the road with a cycling lane was “worth exploring”.
“At this stage no one – council, state or federal government – has ruled it out.”
Barton Van Laar, of cycling safety organisation Bike Safe, said the road was on a list of hazardous roads for cyclists in the Geelong region.
“The road has no safety features whatsoever,” he said.
“Public safety should be the number one concern.”
Bike Safe had been in contact with both State and Federal Governments asking that funding for the road upgrade be made available.
“There are no guarantees but we’re hopeful they’ll eventually come to the party.”
Bellarine Police Station officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Gary Coombes backed Bike Safe’s calls for the upgrade.
Police had “serious safety concerns” about the road, Snr Sgt Coombes said.
“It will only be a matter of time before a cyclist suffers serious injury on this stretch of roadway.”
Environmentalists have opposed the upgrade, fearing damage to dunes.