Bass Coast Shire Council will, subject to obtaining further approvals, proceed with the extension of Inverloch's Surf Parade Shared Path, with construction expected to begin in 2020.
At last Wednesday's Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted in favour of Option 2 for the extension, which will see the path extended from Veronica Street to Goroke Street and the provision of 138 formalised parking bays.
A detailed design will be completed and required permit approvals sought, before construction gets underway.
Council has allocated $1.5 million in the 2019/20 Budget for construction of the path.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said following the extensive consultation for this project, it was clear the need to retain parking along Surf Parade was a primary concern for the community.
"The consultation showed that there was overwhelming support for Option 2 and the construction of this option will provide the best overall outcome for the community," Cr Tessari said.
"Once built, the path will provide safe cycling and pedestrian access to the beaches along Surf Parade and a similar amount of car parking to what is currently available.
"Inverloch's beaches are a significant natural asset in Bass Coast, enjoyed by many and it is important that community can continue to enjoy them safely."
Cr Tessari said that while Option 2 does require the removal of native vegetation, this will be mitigated by securing the required vegetation offsets.
"We will also investigate the possibility of more revegetation works along the shared path and the surrounding dunes," Cr Tessari said.
