An Ocean Grove citizen has raised concerns about the future of the Barwon Estuary Walk ahead of significant community engagement programs.
Warren Chapman said he was worried nearby campgrounds would affect how people used the walking path along the Bukareeyoo (Ocean Grove Spit) riverside.
“In recent times camping activity has been reintroduced on public holiday long weekends in autumn that have disrupted the shared trail alignment,” he said.
“Its continuity needs to be maintained so that it isn’t overtaken by the campground use.”
Mr Chapman said Barwon Coast and Corangamite Catchment and Management Authority had previously identified that the path and camp would remain separate, but this had recently changed.
“The campground activity in the last two autumns has moved into sections of the walk,” he said.
“For a long period, both activities were respected and there wasn’t an encroachment on the walk from camping use.”
The community programs included the Kitjarra-Dja-Bul-Bullarto Langi-Ut (Places of Many Stories) master plan, Barwon Coast Caravan and Camping Parks Precinct Master Plan and Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP).
Barwon Coast Committee of Management acting chief executive Paul Gangell said the CMMP included actions related to improving paths and trails across reserves like the Estuary Barwon Walk.
“At this point, the formal shared trail along Bukareyoo is the gravel road through Riverside Campground, however there are other informal trails currently in use,” he said.
“We appreciate this is of great interest to campers and foreshore users, and we will continue to keep the community up to date.
“Barwon Coast will work closely with the Corangamite Catchment Authority to ensure actions in the master plans are complementary.
“We encourage all members of the community to review the draft CMMP master plan and provide feedback during the upcoming consultation period.”
Jena Carr
