$5m Apollo Bay coastal trail under Geelong City Deal scrapped

A coastal trail along the Great Ocean Road has been scrapped before construction even began, leading to concerns government funding is being “wasted” on planning “unfeasible” projects.

Apollo Bay (Wild Dogs Creek) to Skenes Creek coastal trail project, which is a part of the Geelong City Deal, has been scrapped. Concept images of the trail.

A $5m Otways coastal trail has been scrapped before construction began, leading to concerns government funding is being “wasted” on planning “unfeasible” projects.

The Apollo Bay (Wild Dogs Creek) to Skenes Creek coastal walk was a $5m project within the Geelong City infrastructure deal, a 10-year plan worth $500m to revitalise Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

Other projects within the deal between federal and state governments and local councils include the new Geelong Arts Centre, construction of a new convention centre and the ferry terminal redevelopment in Queenscliffe.

Planning for the 2.84km trail along the Great Ocean Road, which included boardwalks, bridges, seating and viewing platforms, was well underway and $1m had already been spent on design work.

Concept images of the scrapped coastal trail from Apollo Bay (Wild Dogs Creek) to Skenes Creek.

But, the state government announced on February 8 the walk would be scrapped due to “long term impacts to the environment”.

The proposed trail was on the primary dune foreshore and a recent review of the project found it would have posed an unacceptable risk to the environment and foreshore, making it unsafe for public use.

Apollo Bay resident Peter Fillmore, who has lived in the area for 50 years, said locals were “happy” the project has been scrapped.

“(The trail) didn’t meet any criteria whatsoever. It runs through Aboriginal heritage areas, hooded plover breeding grounds, you can walk that 3km at low tide for at least six hours a day,” he said.

“No one is against walking tracks but they’ve got to be in a suitable position.”

However, residents are now questioning why $1m was spent on planning a project that was “unfeasible from the beginning.”

“I’m outraged that $1m has been wasted ... it’s disgraceful,” Mr Fillmore said.

He said locals were concerned government bodies were not researching local areas enough before proposing and planning major projects.

“There is nothing like that on the Great Ocean Road, it would have been totally out of place ... listen to the long-term locals,” he said.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said she was “absolutely appalled” the project had been scrapped.

“A coastal trail which links Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek is not only vital for these communities, but critical tourist infrastructure for the Great Ocean Road,”she said.

A spokeswoman for federal regional development minister Catherine King said the remaining funds would be diverted to other projects in the local area within the deal.

“The remaining unspent coastal trail project funds of $4 million will remain within the Geelong City Deal to benefit the region and ensure the continuation of Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River and Point Grey Lorne Redevelopment,” the spokeswoman said.

Originally published as $5m Apollo Bay coastal trail under Geelong City Deal scrapped