The extension of Bay Trail West through the Point Cook Coastal Park has moved forward another step with the project now out to tender.
Construction is set to proceed following the completion of designs based on recent the feasibility study.
Presuming work gets underway this Spring the project will be completed during Winter 2023.
The first section of the trail from Sanctuary Lakes will be across a 155 metre boardwalk being constructed by developer AVEO.
This will reduce what would have been a 3.8 km route down to a total of about 400m, with the remainder being built by Parks Victoria.
Although boardwalks can become slippery, sections nearby on the existing trail have proved to have good traction. Parks Victoria have said both section of the new trail will be a single, high quality seamlesss design and construction will be coordinated.
In a separate project the Coastal Park will receive upgrades to facilities including picnic tables and shelters, barbecues, drinking fountains, toilets, and playground equipment, an important development as there are limited facilities along the trail today.
The new trail provides great views of the 420ha Cheetham Westlands and Port Philip. The above ground boardwalks will minimise ground disturbance and reduce impacts on the surrounding RAMSAR wetlands.
These works are being delivered through the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation are assisting the project.
The Bay Trail at Williamstown will also see some works underway soon on the adjacent seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park.
Years of exposure to winds and waves have caused damage, erosion and dislodged many bluestone blocks.
Working with Heritage Victoria and guided by geotechnical and structural investigations, the repair works will see the wall and promenade made safe for years to come.