Council will next week consider declaring a Special Charge to help deliver the $6.72 million Ocean Grove Principal Pedestrian Network(PPN).
The proposed creation of a 22.8-kilometre network of footpaths in the Ocean Grove township will be considered by the Council at itsmonthly meeting on 23 March.
The Ocean Grove PPN seeks to address gaps in the path network, including multiple areas that are without any footpaths.
The upgrade would allow Ocean Grove to become a more walkable community, connecting residents to activity centres, sports facilities and schools. Other benefits of a connected network of footpaths include improved safety, supporting healthy lifestyles and reduction in car dependence.
The City is set to contribute $3.65 million towards the overall cost of the project.
The Council will consider if it intends to declare a Special Charge on 6,245 rateable properties, to raise the remaining $3.17 million.
Under a proposed 'Equal Share' funding model – which was the most popular among residents - property owners would each contribute $507.
If the Council resolves its intention to declare a Special Charge, a legislated engagement process would be initiated.
This process provides the opportunity for residents to lodge a submission, either in support of or against the proposed scheme.
The project is being considered by Council following analysis of feedback gathered during a lengthy public engagement programcarried out during 2019 and 2020.
A total of 1035 completed surveys were submitted, including more than 600 with additional feedback.
The survey found that 57 per cent of respondents were in favour of connecting the footpath network in Ocean Grove.
Of those in favour, two-thirds (66 per cent) preferred the larger 22.8km network.
The full engagement report can be read here.
The Council Meeting on 23 March will be held at City Hall in Gheringhap St, Geelong from 6pm.
If you wish to attend in person, you need to register your interest to ensure we adhere to COVID-Safe capacity limits.
This can be done via this link.
For those that can't attend, you can watch the meeting online by clicking here.
