Works on the long-anticipated project have started at the Timboon end of the trail thanks to new staff recruited through the Working for Victoria program.

The council has been lobbying for the project for nearly a decade, and say the project will be huge economic boost for the region.

A new proposal involves an 'end point' near the Lord Street entrance of Port Campbell.

Cyclists can continue down Lord Street via a cycling lane, while walkers will be able to walk along the footpath on the east side of Lord Street.

Under this proposal traffic into Port Campbell would be slowed to 40 km/h, with a crossing in front of Portside Motel.

Public feedback indicated residents wanted to see the trail enter Port Campbell via the suspension bridge and Campbells Creek.

The council said it would continue to pursue the option with Parks Victoria as an add-on loop to the trail.

Council received 67 responses to an online survey, with 66 per cent preferring the trail to run off-road down the west side of Lord Street.

More than 50 per cent of respondents supported a speed limit reduction on Lord Street.

Coastal Ward Councillor Simon Illingworth thanked residents for their input and patience.

"It is abundantly clear there needs to be a path that links the suspension bridge with the trail - Council has already put work into achieving this," he said.

"Ideally, that link will connect to the trail as well as - not instead of - the current trail.

"Once the connector is fully established there will be a wetlands loop that should cater for all abilities so that no one finds themselves coming to a dead end."

Cr Illingworth said there were issues around the suspension bridge being the only access point to the trail.

"It would be chaotic in summer - imagine 20 cyclist's cars parked at the beach all day, every day?

"That could be catastrophic for Port Campbell's beach goers, congestion and businesses," he said.

"It is imperative that this current section of the trail into Port is constructed now, to ensure we deliver on the COVID-19 funding.

"Then we can continue to advocate for the loop from the suspension bridge that everyone desperately wants," Cr Illingworth added.

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced $4.5 million towards the Twelve Apostles Trail stage one, Timboon to Port Campbell, in mid-May.

The council has allocated $2.22 million for the trail in its 2020-2021 budget.

Option three details are available online at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/twelveapostlestrail

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