Ocean Grove Community Association (OGCA) is calling on the City of Greater Geelong to construct a safe shared trail connection linking Ocean Grove and Drysdale and Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.
OGCA believes the 11 kilometre gap between Ocean Grove and Drysdale provides a critical north/south connector on the Bellarine and would provide a connection to the existing Bellarine Rail Trail.
Cyclists or pedestrians would then be able to travel west on the Bellarine Rail Trail to Geelong or east to Queenscliff.
OCCA said the trail would make a major enhancement to the Bellarine communities and further contribute to Bellarine tourism.
OGCA said it believes, at a minimum, the business case for closing of the Ocean Grove to Drysdale gap should be funded in the upcoming 2021-22 CoGG budget.
City of Greater Geelong director city services Guy Wilson-Browne said city officers had commenced initial investigations on potential routes to connect Ocean Grove to Drysdale and also to Point Lonsdale, following the adoption of the Shared Trails Master Plan in July 2020 which highlighted improvements and opportunities for the entire network.
“Creating a connected network of shared trails throughout the region is a significant project for the city, and requires thorough investigations to ensure all chosen routes are safe and the most suitable options for all users,” he said.
“Further investigations are required for the two Bellarine routes to determine suitable options.”
Chair of Shared Trails portfolio councillor Jim Mason said he looked forward to “seeing the options put forward for these routes, as it’s important we develop these connections for the Bellarine communities”.
“By improving connections in our shared trails network it will help to improve the health of our community, reduce congestion on the roads and improve the environment by encouraging more sustainable means of travel like cycling, walking and running,” he said.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said she understood the people of the Bellarine were keen to see shared trail links sooner rather than later.
“We understand the Bellarine community is keen to see these shared trail links made between the coastal suburbs for use by pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists and it’s encouraging to see such an interest in these sustainable and healthier active methods of travel,” she said.
The Shared Trails Masterplan was an action of the City’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018–2021. It can be viewed at geelongaustralia.com.au/common/Public/Documents/8d822694b658331-
sharedtrailsmasterplan-cityofgreatergeelong.pdf
