Plans for a dedicated walking and cycling trail linking Marlo to Cape Conran have been officially abandoned due to environmental, cultural and ongoing maintenance constraints.
The Marlo Ratepayers and Residents’ Association (MRRA) expressed deep disappointment after learning that Parks Victoria will no longer support a feasibility study for the proposed Marlo-Conran Shared Pathway, including an initial priority segment between Mots Track and Marlo Plains Road.
Speaking at a recent MRRA meeting, Parks Victoria Orbost Area Ranger Susie Cutluck confirmed there was “no possibility of Parks Victoria constructing a pathway all the way to Conran” citing significant issues around clearing native vegetation, securing cultural heritage permits and funding long-term trail maintenance.
Instead, remaining bushfire recovery funding previously allocated toward the trail concept will be repurposed by Parks Victoria to establish a self-driving Whale Watching experience featuring dedicated roadside signage and viewing lookouts along the coastal corridor.
