MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire have endorsed a preferred route for the proposed shared user path in Dromana following community consultation.
The path will provide an active transport connection between Dromana, Safety Beach, and the education precinct on White Hill Rd.
Two paths were originally proposed, but after community consultation and investigation, council officers recommended a third alignment along Collins Rd.
At the 1 September council meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed the proposal for the 2B option, which offers long-term strategic connectivity.
Cr Patrick Binyon, who moved the motion, noted any further planning or construction is subject to funding through the Capital Works Program.
“As the council, we try to achieve the right outcome that balances long-term planning with our community safety goals, commitment to active transport, and our responsibility to protect the local environment,” said Binyon.
The first option was a path along Boundary Rd, which provided the most direct connection but carried the highest biodiversity impacts and construction challenges.
The 2A option was along Rainier Ave, which presents the lowest biodiversity risk and best road safety outcomes.
“We know public opinion on this was varied, and not everyone was convinced a path was needed,” said Binyon.
“Option 2B was adapted based directly on community feedback, and making those adjustments demonstrates we are listening and responding to our plans to get the balance right.”
2B provides similar environmental and safety benefits to 2A, as well as offering long-term connectivity including access to council-managed land along Boundary Rd.
Binyon recognised options one and 2A were estimated to cost between $3.7m and $4.3m.
“This is not a small amount,” said Binyon.
“Costing for option 2B is comparable to the cost of option 2A; however, there are possible opportunities to integrate sections of the shared path with the proposed Boundary Rd and Collins Rd development. This would reduce the cost for this section.”
Binyon said creating a path like this is a crucial step towards reducing traffic congestion and encouraging people to be more active.
“Option 2B invests in our kids and active families,” said Binyon.
“Having proper, safe infrastructure gives parents peace of mind and encourages children to ride to school.”
Cr David Gill said he preferred the 2A option, but he can easily accept 2B, knowing council officers will make it work.
“It’s just got to be a safe transport route firstly, and then it has to look after the environment and has to be accepted by the community,” said Gill.
“I think we can do all those things.”
Binyon said when you look at desktop mapping, the environmental differences are clear.
“Option one cuts through more native vegetation and potential swamp-skink habitat, and we know that preliminary works show that option 2B is far less damaging and avoids high-value habitat, which reduces the clearing,” said Binyon.
Binyon confirmed once the route is chosen, officers will conduct a full on-site assessment to verify plant species, check for wildlife, and secure the necessary offsets.
Detailed cost estimates will be further refined once the project secures funding either through the shire’s Capital Works Program or other external grant funding opportunities.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 September 2026
