• The new pathway responds to community demand, with walking identified as the most popular activity within the Shire in Council’s Tracks and Trails Strategy 2022, the Active Bass Coast Strategy 2018-28 and the 2021-25 Council Plan engagement.
• Provision of a safe off-road pathway which has the potential to motivate more women, children and senior Victorians to cycle and walk more often.
• A path that is free and easily accessible, helping to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of the community and increasing physical activity.
• Pathways also provide great opportunity for people with high levels of disadvantage as they are free to use, always open and do not require formal membership or specialised equipment. They are also a conduit to increased social interaction.
• The trail responds to the needs of a growing population.
• The creation of a new nature-based tourism visitor attraction, providing access to the unique experience of walking and cycling in Bass Coast.
• Encourages an appreciation for the natural environment.
• Supports biodiversity through a significant planting program.
• The REMPLAN Impact Summary Report identified that this project will create 31 jobs and generate $14.54 million in direct economic benefit to the region in the construction of the path.

• Improved physical and mental wellbeing for the community by promoting active transport and supporting healthy and active communities.
• This project will improve safety for all path users with greater connection and accessibility, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely from Wonthaggi to Inverloch.
• Links between townships and key destinations to enable users to explore all that Bass Coast has to offer.

The Wonthaggi to Inverloch path alignment originates from Bass Coast’s Aspirational Network Pathways Plan which was created as a result of community workshops held in 2015 and was adopted by Council in 2016.

Engagement has also been undertaken as part of the Active Bass Coast Plan and the latest Council Plan which highlighted walking and cycling as one of the shire’s most popular activities.

Shared pathways also align with objectives in the Bass Coast Climate Change Action Plan and the Healthy Communities Plan 2021-2025.

Neighbouring residents have been engaged as part of the detailed design stage of this pathway and will continue to be engaged throughout the project.

The Wonthaggi to Inverloch pathway is estimated to cost $7.7million. Council has secured a grant from the Growing Suburbs Fund of $3 million. Council will fund the remaining $4.7 million from allocated funds as highlighted in Council's Long Term Financial Plan.

• Construction of gravel and concrete footpaths including widening and replacement of existing concrete footpaths.
• Construction of boardwalks using mesh grating decking, fibre reinforced plastic substructure and handrails where required.
• A pedestrian crossing with refuge island on Toorak Road, Inverloch.
• Construction of a permeable car parking area.
• Installation of bollards, rest area seats and signs.
• Planting within the road reserve.
• Vegetation removals where required based on Ecological Assessment including Native Vegetation Removal Assessment Report.
• Closure of footpaths during construction works as and when required.
• Appropriate traffic and pedestrian control measures will be implemented onsite with all required signages.
• The use of heavy plant, noisy machinery and vibration works for construction including use of trucks for removal and delivery of materials.