Bay Trail - News from District Bulletin

 

It was back in late 2019 when Ross Kilborn, (then President of the Rotary Club of Mornington) together with Steve Daly (then Assistant Governor of the Peninsula Cluster), presented to the Peninsula Cluster Presidents the concept of our clubs participating in projects to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary in Australia.

 

With the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council keen to complete the missing links of the Peninsula (Bay) Trail it was discussed with the Peninsula Cluster Presidents that a possible role for Rotary would be to assist with associated infrastructure, such as rest stops, park benches, tables, information hubs and signage.

 

The Peninsula Trail network extends for over 100 kilometres, linking the Mornington Peninsula and beyond and strengthening the areas walking and cycling brand.

At the February 2020 Peninsula Cluster Presidents Meeting, just prior to the onset of the C19 restrictions, the R100 Peninsula Trail gained unanimous support from the eight Clubs to the delight of all concerned.

A Cluster Working Group was established, with representatives from the eight Peninsula Cluster Clubs allowing the clubs to work closely together whilst still developing their own club projects.

 

Ross Kilborn, Steve Daly, Peter Rawlings with support from former Mayor’s, Honorary Rotarian Sam Hearn and Rotarian Anne Shaw, have had regular meetings with Council Officers which has seen the Council moving ahead on several fronts.

There is now likely to be overall “Rotary 100 Mornington Peninsula Clubs” branding with the final design awaiting approval, with subordinate signage designs to be both directional and informative, covering heritage, cultural, flora and fauna.

The R100 Project will also allow the clubs to connect with Rotary’s new Environmentally Sustainable Focus by involving schools and the community in landscaping and vegetation of native plants.

 

Several of the Peninsula Cluster Clubs are well advanced with one Club receiving a Building Stronger Communities Grant of $9,000. An application is also underway for a combined Cluster Centenary Project Grant.

This is a long-term project for the region and there is still much to be done in terms of major infrastructure funding. But step by step, this R100 Project is advancing to the delight of Rotarians and the Community across the Mornington Peninsula.