GEELONG BAY TRAIL REVITALISATION_

Spanning nine kilometres along Corio Bay, the Geelong Bay Trail is one of the premier trails within a shared network, connecting the centre of Geelong and Geelong waterfront with communities, businesses and attractions northwest through to Lara.  It provides connections to further shared trails in Eastern Gardens that link to the Bellarine Rail Trail, expanding opportunities for the community and visitors to explore.  The Bay Trail was identified as having significant deficiencies in the City’s 2020 Shared Trails Master Plan, ranking as the number one priority. Further condition assessment of all the City’s trails was completed in 2021, confirming gaps in continuity of the trail experience.  Additional challenges are emerging which will affect the long-term sustainability and viability of the trail, including climate change impacts, rising sea levels, shifting demographics and usage patterns resulting from changing land use.

Geelong Bay Trail Revitalisation project will create a high quality off-road shared trail experience from Corio Quay through to Western Beach Foreshore and the Geelong Waterfront, enhancing Geelong’s reputation as a destination to live, work and visit. Enlocus have delivered a feasibility study and concept designs for the City of Greater Geelong which focus on three categories along the footprint. The study also provides Council with an Issues and Opportunities Report informed by comprehensive and evidence-based assessments on the needs and constraints of the Bay Trail.

The Concept Plan, responding directly to the outcomes of the Feasibility Study and Issues and Opportunities Report, proposes solutions to the trail deficiencies to create a high-quality and cohesive shared trail. The proposed plan includes widening of trails for diverse user groups, revegetation of native species along the foreshore embankment, and implementing rest stops at key vantage points. Following a series of engagement sessions held in 2023, the project has since received more than 95% community support with responses from over 3,000 participants.  Ensuring final concept design endorsement, Council will seek funding opportunities for further detailed development of the proposed concept design.