Carers sought for coast walk

RHosking_GORCC_SCW-1 — New friends of the Surf Coast Walk (L-R) Sophie Small and Lachlan Richardson with GORCC Coastal Projects Manager Mike Bodsworth on the Surf Coast Walk. Photo: Rebecca Hosking

As the Surf Coast Walk redevelopment nears completion, volunteers are being sought to become official guardians of the track.

The new ‘Friends of the Surf Coast Walk’ group will become stewards of the 44km walk, which is set to be a world-class walking destination and a valuable recreational and community resource.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) Coastal Projects Manager Mike Bodsworth said the group would play an active role in the ongoing life of the track.

“The Surf Coast Walk is almost ready for launch and group will become a vital ingredient in the track’s long term success.

“We would love to hear from anyone interested in assisting us to protect, monitor, maintain and enhance it into the future,” he said.

Volunteers can contribute in a variety of ways depending on their interests and skills, and choose a section of track they are most interested in.

“Friends can monitor the track as part of their normal, regular, recreational use of it and report back on any issues – for example degraded sections or any overgrown areas or weeds.

“More active options will include minor track maintenance work, litter collection, trimming overgrowth or trackside planting and rehabilitation,” Mr Bodsworth said.

Volunteers will work with the three land managers involved in the Surf Coast Walk’s maintenance and upkeep – GORCC, Parks Victoria and Surf Coast Shire.

“The three agencies together with the friends group will care for and extend the lifespan of this coastal asset for the benefit of the community,” Mr Bodsworth said.

The Surf Coast Walk will be officially launched on 4 November 2012 in Anglesea at a free community event suitable for the whole family. The official opening will take place at 10am and be followed by free activities from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

“Those interested in learning more about or registering their interest for the Friends of the Surf Coast Walk group are invited to either contact us or come along to the launch event where there will be plenty of information and opportunities to register on the day,” Mr Bodsworth said.

The redevelopment of the Surf Coast Walk has been made possible thanks to funding from Regional Development Victoria GORCC and the Surf Coast Shire and support from a range of partners, including Parks Victoria.