Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed new State Government funding towards its tracks and trails network, bringing benefits to the Bass Coast community.

The $416,000 investment was announced by Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, at the site of the Cowes to Rhyll boardwalk, a project that will use part of these funds for an upgrade and extensions. Parts of the path will now be widened and boardwalks replaced, bringing them into line with standards used on other path renewals across Bass Coast.

Another portion of the funding will be used to renew the ageing Bridge Creek bridge on the Bass Coast Rail Trail, near the Mouth of the Powlett River.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the funding will make significant kick-starts on two key links for the Bass Coast community.

“These projects help bring our communities closer together and will have health and recreational benefits now and into the future. I’m happy that the State Government also recognises the importance of these two important links in our tracks and trails network by allocating funding towards them,” said Cr Whelan.

“We’re keen to extend and upgrade our tracks and trails network as it delivers recreational benefits for our communities, whether they’re walking, running, perambulating or cycling.

“These upgrades also move us closer to being a more connected community for residents, students and workers, opening up new options for active transport across the Shire, which is another action in our Climate Change Action Plan,” concluded Cr Whelan.

Also welcoming the announcement was Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Board Chair, Kevin Love. “How appropriate that this announcement comes today, on World Wildlife Day! This funding and our partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council and the State Government means we can continue to extend our trails, bringing our natural beauty into the public eye, making it more accessible for all,” commended Mr. Love.

Council’s successful application means funding from Round 2 of the the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help extend the Cowes to Rhyll boardwalk and see the path widened to 2.5 metres. Ageing timbers on a 700-metre section of boardwalk will be replaced with a low-maintenance, long-life composite material now used on many trails. The new material is also safer for people of all abilities.

Frequent travellers on the Bass Coast Rail Trail will also benefit from the funding. Removal and replacement of the existing worn timber bridge with a pre-cast concrete box culvert bridge will ensure a wide, solid crossing of Bridge Creek for generations to come, providing access from the Wonthaggi side to Kilcunda and beyond.

For more information on the Cowes to Rhyll Shared Pathway visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/cowesrhyllpath and for more information on the Bridge Creek bridge renewal project visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/bridgecreek.