SHIRE officers have been given a rocket over the condition of the coastal path from Royal Beach and continuing behind Mornington Bowling Club to the Barkly Street roundabout.
Cr Bev Colomb told the council’s 26 May meeting that the scenic and historic coastal path should be “brought back to a standard that allows access and safety for community use”. She successfully moved that this be done before the end of June.
Adding to the blast, Cr Colomb insisted the officers report back before the end of July on the process they use to “make decisions that involve public community coastal pathways being determined to no longer be in use”.
“Our coastal paths are dear to us all and are one of our major ways for the community to keep fit and healthy, physically and mentally,” she told the council.
“In the Mornington community we have an historic path in the heart of the township still open, but barely possible to use. It has been used by locals and visitors since the town began.”
Officers stated the coastal path was “managed and maintained in accordance with the council’s Road Management Plan 2018” which governs inspections, repairs, maintenance, vegetation, and paths. To increase vegetation management ahead of programmed works would cost an extra $5000.
The next major prune or cut back is due 2020-21 as part of a five-year maintenance cycle.
Both Cr Colomb and the officers say they are keen to work with the Mornington Environment Association, Bunurong Land Council and Mornington Coastal Advisory Group on any works on the coastal cliff path which “supports middens and sensitive indigenous vegetation”.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 June 2020
