Cyclists and walkers using the Twelve Apostles Trail when it opens will literally stay on track thanks to new guide markers installed along the route.
A range of recycled plastic signs, fence posts, chicanes and bollards were installed over the winter when the ground was too wet for track work.
Various directional signs will help walkers and cyclists find their way and identify hazards, such as alerting motorists and trail users to road crossings. Bollards and chicanes will keep trail users safe.
Corangamite Shire Council Director Works and Services Brooke Love said products used in the project are made of soft plastic materials collected and recycled through the REDcycle Program.
"The aim is to keep the project as sustainable as possible," Mrs Love said.
"Previously we have used virgin timber and treated timber for infrastructure projects. This project is more environmentally friendly and contributes to a circular economy, where the focus is to reduce consumption of finite materials, reuse and recycle. The approach benefits businesses, society, and the environment."
The Twelve Apostles Trail – 'Closing the Loop' project is a step in the transition to sustainable infrastructure initiatives.
Council received funding from Sustainability Victoria's Sustainable Infrastructure Fund to buy and install the recycled plastic products on the trail.
The fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, aims to:
- improve confidence in using products made from recycled materials;
- demonstrate performance of existing products and standards;
- increase the quantity of recycled products being sold in Victoria; and
- support organisations to try new technology and processes.
Corangamite Shire is one of 18 councils sharing in more than $2.6 million through the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund to use recycled materials in infrastructure projects.
Work on the Twelve Apostles Trail Stage 1 Timboon to Port Campbell trail will resume when the ground dries up. Sections of trail on North South Road and Curdievale Port Campbell Road are yet to be completed.
There is also a further tender process for the section of trail leading into Port Campbell and the connection near the four cattle underpasses.
