Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG Environment Council wants authorities to close a road along 13th Beach to cars.
The council has recommended the closure as a “more sensible use” of the road than plans to “expand it” with a shared pedestrian and cyclist path.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management has controversially lodged an application to build a boardwalk adjacent to the road, requiring removal of native vegetation. The Round the Heads trail would run for 1.8 kilometres between a golf links track and 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The plan’s environmental impact has angered environment council president Joan Lindros.
The council has lodged a submission against the Barwon Coast proposal, including the recommendation to close the road.
“Geelong Environmental Council finds it incomprehensible that Barwon Coast is proposing a shared track in such an exposed and vulnerable area of coastal vegetation,” Ms Lindros said.
“If a change is to be made a more sensible use for this particular coast road would not be to expand it with the proposed track but to close it to throughcar traffic and maintain it only for a shared bike and walking track and for maintenance vehicles.
“There is no real need for this to be a route from or to Barwon Heads when other roads are available.”
Geelong Environment Council called for a hearing on the trail plan.
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