Twelve Apostles Trail works change focus for winter

Published on 17 May 2021

A wetter-than-expected autumn due to the La Niña weather system has shifted the focus of construction on the Twelve Apostles Trail.

Corangamite Shire Director Works and Services Brooke Love said wet ground meant resources would be reassigned to infrastructure such as fencing and signs.

“The ground along the trail route is starting to be impacted by wet conditions and inclement weather,” Mrs Love said.

“As a result we will shift our focus to other parts of the project that aren’t as dependent on the weather.

“We’ve made good progress on sections of the trail particularly Timboon-Peterborough Road, North South Road and Curdievale-Port Campbell Road.

“Council is working with the contractors to ensure the best finish for the trail can be achieved when the weather permits.”

Mrs Love said Council had received $107,000 from  Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Infrastructure Fund, to buy and install recycled plastic fences, bollards and directional signs along the 20km stretch of trail.

The Sustainable Infrastructure Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s $380 million Recycling Victoria policy to reduce waste, boost jobs and establish a recycling system Victorians can rely on.

“We are moving towards a circular economy that balances environmental impacts and economic growth through more productive use of natural resources,” Mrs Love said.

“Council wants to lead by example by using sustainable, recycled products instead of raw materials.

“This trail is designed to attract eco-tourism visitors to enjoy our natural environment so it only makes sense to use the most environmentally friendly options.”

“This trail has been a long time coming and it’s exciting to see it coming to fruition.

“We look forward to completing the project in the new year.”