Council is undertaking this feasibility work given that this project is a high priority project in our Tracks and Trails Strategy.

The purpose of the Study is to identify all requirements that would need to be met to enable this project to proceed to detailed design and construction. The development of the Study will include extensive engagement with affected landowners, as well as identifying any permits, approvals and structural requirements that would be needed to construct this trail.

Significant consideration has been given in the planning for this project to community and stakeholder engagement with a key focus on engaging with adjacent landowners to understand the leases and licenses over the proposed trail alignment and the impacts of trail development on landowners.

No. This project is a feasibility study, which will help to inform future investment in design and construction of the trail.

This feasibility study is not the detailed design or construction of the trail. Should the trail be considered feasible, further funding would be sought for the design and construction of the trail. This would likely occur in stages.

The project is funded through the State Government Investment Fast Track Fund, with a contribution from both Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shire Councils.

The completed feasibility study would allow the project to be considered to progress to detailed design and construction. This would be dependent on obtaining further funding and would likely be completed in stages over a number of years, given the size and complexity of this project.

Community benefits from growing Bass Coast’s Tracks and Trails network include:

• Connecting to townships and the wider region
• Providing infrastructure for health and wellbeing, and a connection to nature
• Creating tourism opportunities

This 25 kilometre section of trail is a missing link in the 1,100 kilometre Gippsland Odyssey Trail. Gippsland Odyssey will be one of the longest trails in Australia, extending all the way through Gippsland. providing new active recreation and commuter links for the community and transforming key tourism infrastructure.

Bass Coast Shire Council have completed an economic impact assessment for this project. The Woolamai to Nyora section of the Gippsland Odyssey Trail is expected to inject $875,000 in direct economic benefit to the region throughout the planning phase of the project and a further $36.12 million in direct economic benefit throughout the construction phase.

A consultant team led by Michael Smith and Associates Landscape Architecture and Urban Design has been appointed to complete the feasibility study. The team has extensive experience in working with rural communities and stakeholder groups in leisure, tourism and recreation-orientated projects.

The consultant team will be assessing the following:

• Costs and logistics of restoring timber trestle and concrete bridges over creek crossings or alternative bypass routes
• Main road and local road safe crossings and their costs
• The formation and construction materials of the trail and costs
• The needs of property owners such as additional fencing, cattle underpasses, and screen planting
• Trail head facilities (i.e. picnic tables, carpark areas, drinking water, bicycle repair stations, way finding and directional signage and historical information) at appropriate rest and stopping points along the route
• The costs of future planning, design and project management.

This feasibility study is not the detailed design or construction of the trail. Should the trail be considered feasible, further funding would be sought for the design and construction of the trail. This would likely occur in stages.

Further updates and opportunities for community engagement will be advertised through this page and Council’s media channels. Affected landowners will receive targeted correspondence and engagement throughout the project.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed mid 2024, and will be shared with the community at that time.