On Monday, The Standard revealed the project was set to be given the green light as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.

It is a project the group has been lobbying for over the past 15 years.

"It's very exciting news," Mr Pope said.

He said the 18 kilometre trail would link Timboon to Port Campbell and take visitors through spectacular hinterland and offer stunning coastal views.

"The project is now completely shovel ready and we're all keen to see the project hit the ground," he said.

"The key thing that this project offers is dispersal of visitors," he said.

"It will also give visitors a more immersive experience."

Mr Pope said there was a high percentage of visitors who visited the shire, but did not stay overnight.

"The key part of this project has always been to engage and encourage longer stays and greater dispersal," he said.

Mr Pope said it was believed the trail would also encourage more overnight stays.

He said the trail would be three metres wide and would be accessible for people with a disability.

Mr Pope said the group was waiting for confirmation from the state and federal governments, who indicated the project had been given the green light when announcing an extra $40 million in funding this week.

Corangamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter said he was delighted the project had been given the go ahead.

However, he said the top priority was infrastructure and staff to help cope with the rising number of visitors at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

"It's pretty critical that this is addressed and I think the latest funding announcement recognises that," Councillor Trotter said.

The latest $40 million commitment includes $30 million from the federal government and a $10 million commitment from the state government for a Master Plan contingency fund.

This is in addition to $58 million announced to develop the Twelve Apostles as a tourist destination.