Check out our Current and Previous Projects below:
MCN would love to hear your ideas for new projects that we can undertake locally or look to work with the Surfcoast Shire, VIC Track, or other local organisations .
Come along to a meeting, contact us on phone, facebook, or email us at [email protected] (see about MCN page for further contact details)
Come along to a meeting, contact us on phone, facebook, or email us at [email protected] (see about MCN page for further contact details)
Current Projects
Greenfields Reserve Nature & Fitness Trail
SUMMARY ...
Moriac Community Network started this project in 2019 with a grant project application to Surf Coast Shire to extend a gravel pathway along the Thompson Creek reserve, creating an off-road walking and cycling circuit looping back to existing footpaths within a natural environment and incorporating some play and fitness items.
A feasibility study was carried out by Council, consultation with neighbours and MCN members of the community. The project has been funded in the Shire budget using Open Spaces Levy Fund.
A further $10,000 in a reserve fund from the Developer was also located to put towards an all ages play equipment.
A Project Working Group has been created lead by MCN President, Kim Rowe with assistance from Kenny Reid and Denise Murfitt. The primary role of the project owner is to be the conduit between Council and the Community, to provide updates and filter back comments or concerns. The community representatives attend monthly Project Control Group Meetings and are provided with project status reports.
UPDATE ... JULY 2021
- Cultural Heritage due diligence report complete. No requirement for a CHMP. Risk mitigation measures to be used in construction method for gravel path (ie. built above ground)
- Scope has been finalised. Please see updated plan attached.
- Location of the gravel path has been refined and confirmed. Request for Tender documents are being finalised. Local tradesmen to be invited to submit. Works to begin in spring/summer when the area has dried out.
- Detailed design and cost estimates are currently being carried out by the consultant for the concrete path along Hendy Main Road. Once these are finalised we will have a clear understanding of whether the concrete path can be achieved within the allocated budget.
- The development of the playground/fitness equipment has been put on hold pending further investigations and Social Infrastructure Planning.
UPDATE ... AUG 2021
· The Project Control Group held their regular monthly meeting to discuss achievements, issues and next steps.
· Drainage maintenance and improvement works have been carried out by Regional Roads Victoria on the Hendy Main Road section of the proposed pathway. This has meant a slight delay for the project whilst we re-engage the surveyor to update the base drawings. Following the updated survey work, currently underway, the designers will assess the ability to proceed with the concrete path given the reduction in available space beside the swale drain, and the potential financial implications.
· Work on the Request for Quote for the gravel paths is progressing and will be sent out early September with works proposed to commence in October/November when the ground has dried out.
· Proposed furniture items (seats, bin and bollards) will be confirmed following a review of the budget once quotes for the pathway works have been received.
Any queries please email [email protected]
Moriac Community Network started this project in 2019 with a grant project application to Surf Coast Shire to extend a gravel pathway along the Thompson Creek reserve, creating an off-road walking and cycling circuit looping back to existing footpaths within a natural environment and incorporating some play and fitness items.
A feasibility study was carried out by Council, consultation with neighbours and MCN members of the community. The project has been funded in the Shire budget using Open Spaces Levy Fund.
A further $10,000 in a reserve fund from the Developer was also located to put towards an all ages play equipment.
A Project Working Group has been created lead by MCN President, Kim Rowe with assistance from Kenny Reid and Denise Murfitt. The primary role of the project owner is to be the conduit between Council and the Community, to provide updates and filter back comments or concerns. The community representatives attend monthly Project Control Group Meetings and are provided with project status reports.
UPDATE ... JULY 2021
- Cultural Heritage due diligence report complete. No requirement for a CHMP. Risk mitigation measures to be used in construction method for gravel path (ie. built above ground)
- Scope has been finalised. Please see updated plan attached.
- Location of the gravel path has been refined and confirmed. Request for Tender documents are being finalised. Local tradesmen to be invited to submit. Works to begin in spring/summer when the area has dried out.
- Detailed design and cost estimates are currently being carried out by the consultant for the concrete path along Hendy Main Road. Once these are finalised we will have a clear understanding of whether the concrete path can be achieved within the allocated budget.
- The development of the playground/fitness equipment has been put on hold pending further investigations and Social Infrastructure Planning.
UPDATE ... AUG 2021
· The Project Control Group held their regular monthly meeting to discuss achievements, issues and next steps.
· Drainage maintenance and improvement works have been carried out by Regional Roads Victoria on the Hendy Main Road section of the proposed pathway. This has meant a slight delay for the project whilst we re-engage the surveyor to update the base drawings. Following the updated survey work, currently underway, the designers will assess the ability to proceed with the concrete path given the reduction in available space beside the swale drain, and the potential financial implications.
· Work on the Request for Quote for the gravel paths is progressing and will be sent out early September with works proposed to commence in October/November when the ground has dried out.
· Proposed furniture items (seats, bin and bollards) will be confirmed following a review of the budget once quotes for the pathway works have been received.
Any queries please email [email protected]
Moriac Lions Park Upgrade
SUMMARY ....
Moriac Lions Park is the central park in Moriac Township located at 574 Hendy Main Road and is owned by Railways and Council leased. This intersection has four crossing roads, a car park driveway, an angled railway line, bus stop, public toilet, general store with parking and a primary school. The intersection needs improvement but is not on any agenda as there has been no accident history.
In the meantime the community has put forward a petition to Council for beautification of the township (similar to those experienced in Winchelsea and Anglesea) to improve the look of the township. An added benefit is for traffic and tourists to recognise that this is a residential township and hence slow down and take care.
It was proposed that a separate project proposal be put towards Council via the Projects Team for the items contained in the Moriac Lions Park.
Ideas have included better parking, kerbing, drainage, end of park stops, parking designation lines, improve pot holes in surface of car park and road side, pedestrian crossover and safety. Improvement to design of toilet and gazebo facilities, update of noticeboard, improve bins and pathways, cover up services, gardens and improved lighting. If funding available added features of water fountain, bike hoops, more seating and planting.
LATEST UPDATE ...
- We have full funding available ($160,400) to deliver the entire project as scoped (funding via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund)
- The Lease for Lions Park from Vic Track has expired. The lease and the understanding is that the current lease conditions apply (even though it
has expired) until the new lease is signed.
Project implementation has stalled until lease for the Lions Park is renewed with land owner Vic Track
- Issue with new EPA regulations coming into effect 1 July 2021 that passes on responsibility for addressing all site contamination to the land manager
- Vic Track lease conditions reflect this and state that Council is responsible for addressing all existing site contamination (and with VicTrack land it is always
assumed that the land has some contamination unless proven otherwise)
- We will need to do some soil testing and just working through the process for that so we understand if there may be any associated costs with removal of
any historical soil contaminants
- Once the above is resolved we will put the Lions Park landscape concept plan out for community feedback and awareness
Best point of contact is Nicky Angus at SCS [email protected]
Moriac Lions Park is the central park in Moriac Township located at 574 Hendy Main Road and is owned by Railways and Council leased. This intersection has four crossing roads, a car park driveway, an angled railway line, bus stop, public toilet, general store with parking and a primary school. The intersection needs improvement but is not on any agenda as there has been no accident history.
In the meantime the community has put forward a petition to Council for beautification of the township (similar to those experienced in Winchelsea and Anglesea) to improve the look of the township. An added benefit is for traffic and tourists to recognise that this is a residential township and hence slow down and take care.
It was proposed that a separate project proposal be put towards Council via the Projects Team for the items contained in the Moriac Lions Park.
Ideas have included better parking, kerbing, drainage, end of park stops, parking designation lines, improve pot holes in surface of car park and road side, pedestrian crossover and safety. Improvement to design of toilet and gazebo facilities, update of noticeboard, improve bins and pathways, cover up services, gardens and improved lighting. If funding available added features of water fountain, bike hoops, more seating and planting.
LATEST UPDATE ...
- We have full funding available ($160,400) to deliver the entire project as scoped (funding via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund)
- The Lease for Lions Park from Vic Track has expired. The lease and the understanding is that the current lease conditions apply (even though it
has expired) until the new lease is signed.
Project implementation has stalled until lease for the Lions Park is renewed with land owner Vic Track
- Issue with new EPA regulations coming into effect 1 July 2021 that passes on responsibility for addressing all site contamination to the land manager
- Vic Track lease conditions reflect this and state that Council is responsible for addressing all existing site contamination (and with VicTrack land it is always
assumed that the land has some contamination unless proven otherwise)
- We will need to do some soil testing and just working through the process for that so we understand if there may be any associated costs with removal of
any historical soil contaminants
- Once the above is resolved we will put the Lions Park landscape concept plan out for community feedback and awareness
Best point of contact is Nicky Angus at SCS [email protected]
Moriac Streetscape Project
SUMMARY ....
MCN proposed to Council in their 2019-2020 budget submission that Moriac would like to be included in the Streetscape Beautification Scheme that had been awarded to Winchelsea and Anglesea in the past. An amount of $45,000 was budgeted and the Projects Team are investigating the best way to spend this funding with community consultation.
Ideas have included tree planting, more seating at end of walkways or half way, dog bags and bins, water fountains. A town entrance sign with artwork to be considered.
LATEST UPDATE ...
- Latest feedback from key community contacts (Caitlin Ovens, Kenny Reid and the general MCN email address) has been passed on to Jason Eales, Open Space
Operations Co-ordinator) who is leading this project
- Input from MCN to date (including Caitlin and Carrie):
- Additional ideas:
Any further input is welcome please forward to [email protected] for us to pass on to Jason Eales SCS
MCN proposed to Council in their 2019-2020 budget submission that Moriac would like to be included in the Streetscape Beautification Scheme that had been awarded to Winchelsea and Anglesea in the past. An amount of $45,000 was budgeted and the Projects Team are investigating the best way to spend this funding with community consultation.
Ideas have included tree planting, more seating at end of walkways or half way, dog bags and bins, water fountains. A town entrance sign with artwork to be considered.
LATEST UPDATE ...
- Latest feedback from key community contacts (Caitlin Ovens, Kenny Reid and the general MCN email address) has been passed on to Jason Eales, Open Space
Operations Co-ordinator) who is leading this project
- Input from MCN to date (including Caitlin and Carrie):
- Planting along Hendy Main Road nature strips (particularly between Newling Reserve entry and Thompsons Creek - in fills and planting where permitted
- Along Cape Otway Road – in fills and planting where permitted (creating avenue type feel into / out of town centre)
- Tidy up and enhance the planting around the Newling Reserve entry wall and plant gardens
- Avenue planting (infills) where permitted along the road way loop into / through the Hinterland estate
- Planting along the pathway that runs through the Hinterland linear reserve (cannot be done due to Barwon Water easement)
- Moriac Lions Park (Planting at this site will be covered with the funding available for that site)
- Well planned garden islands with shrubs and trees (not Eucalypt) along Hendy Main Road nature strips (particularly between Newling Reserve entry and Thompsons Creek that will at the same time beautify and provide drainage
- Edible shrubs like berries currants etc and fruit trees (I have explained that this suggestion is unlikely to be supported as Council prefer
- Additional ideas:
- Town entry sign - maybe look into an art grant for sculpture (may need to be a separate project / art grant)
- Dog dropping bag station near public spaces and footpath entrances to help with dog litter in township
Any further input is welcome please forward to [email protected] for us to pass on to Jason Eales SCS
Sea to Tree Long Distance Horse Riding Trail
SUMMARY ...
The Sea to Tree Long Distance Horse Riding Trail is a trail that envisaged to be used by Horse riders, cyclists and walkers. The trail commences at Tanners Campground, traversing the Otway Parks and following some rural roads, connecting Aireys Inlet, Bambra, Deans Marsh, Barwon Downs, ending in Forrest. Moriac Community Network advocated for improvements in 2018 to Tanners campground with DELWP, and also supported an application in 2019 to Surf Coast Shire for grant funding towards signage requirements for the trail. To progress the trail a committee bringing together land managers from Parks Vic, DELWP, Surf Coast Shire, Midway Plantations, Colac Otway Shire and representatives incorporating the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, Forrest Horse Riding Club and MCN commenced meeting to determine what is currently in place and what is required.
LATEST UPDATE ...
Currently the Committee is preparing for a trail audit, to take commence either before, or once the trails reopen in November 1st. Formalisation of audit requirements and recruitment of volunteers is also underway. Thursday 29thJuly, subject to Covid requirements, a roadside survey of the Deans Marsh Road crossing with Parks Vic, Surf Coast Shire and a local horse riding representative will be undertaken to assess safety issues and access.
The Sea to Tree Long Distance Horse Riding Trail is a trail that envisaged to be used by Horse riders, cyclists and walkers. The trail commences at Tanners Campground, traversing the Otway Parks and following some rural roads, connecting Aireys Inlet, Bambra, Deans Marsh, Barwon Downs, ending in Forrest. Moriac Community Network advocated for improvements in 2018 to Tanners campground with DELWP, and also supported an application in 2019 to Surf Coast Shire for grant funding towards signage requirements for the trail. To progress the trail a committee bringing together land managers from Parks Vic, DELWP, Surf Coast Shire, Midway Plantations, Colac Otway Shire and representatives incorporating the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, Forrest Horse Riding Club and MCN commenced meeting to determine what is currently in place and what is required.
LATEST UPDATE ...
Currently the Committee is preparing for a trail audit, to take commence either before, or once the trails reopen in November 1st. Formalisation of audit requirements and recruitment of volunteers is also underway. Thursday 29thJuly, subject to Covid requirements, a roadside survey of the Deans Marsh Road crossing with Parks Vic, Surf Coast Shire and a local horse riding representative will be undertaken to assess safety issues and access.
Long Term Topics
PUBLIC TOILETS
MCN have been chasing up better cleaning at the public toilets across from the Moriac Store.
We have received new information that there has been new contractors hired and will be cleaning every day.
If you see toilets need cleaning please ring number on wall and if no answer put in a request to Shire Council.
MORIAC STRUCTURE PLAN
MCN has had this on its radar as previous town plan is in 2010. The Council has included funding in the 2020 - 2021 budget for Moriac's Structure review and the Council officers are working on the background information, preparing options to view and referring to previous plan.
There will be ample community engagement opportunity.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
MCN have looked in to various options in the past with no luck due to our population size.
To be discussed in future town planning for public transport (bus, rail etc)
State Parliament Inquiry into using school buses in rural communities for public transport is being held.
ROADS & TRAFFIC
Moriac Township Intersection
As there is no accident history for this intersection it has a very low priority in the Vic Roads scheme of funding.
Council has continued to work with the Department of Transport.
We have asked for maintenance to painted lines, surface, kerbing, lighting and arrows to improve visibility and safety.
Princes Highway intersections with Cape Otway Rd and Hendy Main Road
We consider this a high accident zone.
We have been able to get larger STOP SIGNS, NO ENTRY painted on roads, improved line marking, lots of road signs and increased police patrols.
State Government have now suggested a trail of sensor speed signs have been suggested to be installed.
Reservoir Road intersections
MCN reported this as a high accident site needing stop signs and clearing as low visibility on bend. Tourists seem to get lost and go straight through give way signs without looking along this 100km road.
Funding awarded but need to check if carried out.
Traffic and speeding
Solar speed signs for 40km school zone installed
60 and 80 km zone signs moved out past development
Rural green speed signs entering township installed
MCN have booked in the past from Surf Coast Shire temporary sign trailer to detect speeds for last weekend of holidays to ask tourists to slow down on Cape Otway Rd returning from Great Ocean Road
Road maintenance
MCN regularly report pot holes or road maintenance requests on behalf of the community
Please report to Surf Coast Shire with a photo and ask for communication in return when it will be done.
COMMUNICATION
NBN & MOBILE blackspots
MCN have been helping residents in Modewarre, Gnarwarre, Gherang, Paraparap, Freshwater Creek get noticed.
We have also advocated for new NBN tower in Moriac and Gherang, now need to work on other connecting areas.
If you have poor or no mobile or broadband internet please HAVE YOUR SAY at https://djpr.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria
STORMWATER & SEPTIC
Moriac Stormwater Drainage - Hendy Main Road
Advocated for culverts crossing road to be reinstated and more regular maintenance to be undertaken to keep stormwater pipes clear.
Surf Coast Shire Stormwater study undertaken 2020
Council have withheld a bond from the developer to re-open the culvert. An agreement on works is with Department of Transport but has not been carried out as yet. Council maintenance team have carried out cleaning works on some drainage pits, Council is following up.
Septic run off to Thompsons Creek
Advocated for inspections of old systems and provide education for updates
Include in town plan that residential lots include enough land to deal with their own stormwater and septic water.
MCN have been chasing up better cleaning at the public toilets across from the Moriac Store.
We have received new information that there has been new contractors hired and will be cleaning every day.
If you see toilets need cleaning please ring number on wall and if no answer put in a request to Shire Council.
MORIAC STRUCTURE PLAN
MCN has had this on its radar as previous town plan is in 2010. The Council has included funding in the 2020 - 2021 budget for Moriac's Structure review and the Council officers are working on the background information, preparing options to view and referring to previous plan.
There will be ample community engagement opportunity.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
MCN have looked in to various options in the past with no luck due to our population size.
To be discussed in future town planning for public transport (bus, rail etc)
State Parliament Inquiry into using school buses in rural communities for public transport is being held.
ROADS & TRAFFIC
Moriac Township Intersection
As there is no accident history for this intersection it has a very low priority in the Vic Roads scheme of funding.
Council has continued to work with the Department of Transport.
We have asked for maintenance to painted lines, surface, kerbing, lighting and arrows to improve visibility and safety.
Princes Highway intersections with Cape Otway Rd and Hendy Main Road
We consider this a high accident zone.
We have been able to get larger STOP SIGNS, NO ENTRY painted on roads, improved line marking, lots of road signs and increased police patrols.
State Government have now suggested a trail of sensor speed signs have been suggested to be installed.
Reservoir Road intersections
MCN reported this as a high accident site needing stop signs and clearing as low visibility on bend. Tourists seem to get lost and go straight through give way signs without looking along this 100km road.
Funding awarded but need to check if carried out.
Traffic and speeding
Solar speed signs for 40km school zone installed
60 and 80 km zone signs moved out past development
Rural green speed signs entering township installed
MCN have booked in the past from Surf Coast Shire temporary sign trailer to detect speeds for last weekend of holidays to ask tourists to slow down on Cape Otway Rd returning from Great Ocean Road
Road maintenance
MCN regularly report pot holes or road maintenance requests on behalf of the community
Please report to Surf Coast Shire with a photo and ask for communication in return when it will be done.
COMMUNICATION
NBN & MOBILE blackspots
MCN have been helping residents in Modewarre, Gnarwarre, Gherang, Paraparap, Freshwater Creek get noticed.
We have also advocated for new NBN tower in Moriac and Gherang, now need to work on other connecting areas.
If you have poor or no mobile or broadband internet please HAVE YOUR SAY at https://djpr.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria
STORMWATER & SEPTIC
Moriac Stormwater Drainage - Hendy Main Road
Advocated for culverts crossing road to be reinstated and more regular maintenance to be undertaken to keep stormwater pipes clear.
Surf Coast Shire Stormwater study undertaken 2020
Council have withheld a bond from the developer to re-open the culvert. An agreement on works is with Department of Transport but has not been carried out as yet. Council maintenance team have carried out cleaning works on some drainage pits, Council is following up.
Septic run off to Thompsons Creek
Advocated for inspections of old systems and provide education for updates
Include in town plan that residential lots include enough land to deal with their own stormwater and septic water.
Previous Projects