Being able to access the Warrnambool’s beautiful beaches is an important part of what makes Warrnambool an attractive place to live.
The municipality has more than 30 documented access points and Council is seeking community feedback on how these are used, how easy they are to use and how often they are used.
“This will help us Council prepare a Beach Access Strategy which will address the challenges and opportunities around the 33 beach access points that extend from Shelly Beach in the west to Logans Beach east of the Hopkins River,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Richard Ziegeler said.
“We want to strike the right balance between maximising access to the beach and minimising the impact on the natural environment.
“It will also help us plan the maintenance and renewal of access points.
“We all know Warrnambool’s beaches play an important role for the community, providing spaces for a range of activities, recreation, tourism and events.
“They are places that are culturally significant to the Traditional Owners.”
The beach access points maintained by Council range from fully constructed access ramps to informal paths.
“As an occupational therapist with decades of experience helping to determine adequate physical access for all, I have a particular interest in this whole process,” Cr Ziegeler said.
Two of these access points, one at Levys Beach and another at Spookys Beach, were included in the recently completed Wild Coast Landscape Master Plan.
The remaining 33 beach access points, from Shelly Beach in the west to Logans Beach east of the Hopkins River, will be incorporated into the Warrnambool Beach Access Strategy.
The feedback from this survey will help inform the Strategy which will take into account factors including:
• accessibility;
• usage;
• public safety;
• cultural heritage;
• environment, including flora and fauna habitat;
• historic features;
• climate change impacts;
• condition of existing structures;
• maintenance and renewal costs;
• foreshore activities; and
• tourism.
To let Council know how you use Warrnambool’s beach access points please go to www.yoursaywarrnambool.vic.gov.au
Submissions close on March 22, 2022.