Access to be enhanced across popular Bellarine locations

NEW accessible facilities will be added to two popular Bellarine towns making the waterfront locations more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

The State Government has injected $180,000 into both Barwon Coast Committee of Management and Bellarine Bayside, two of the region’s largest coastal management bodies, for the installation of all-ability facilities in both Ocean Grove and Portarlington.

State Member for the Bellarine Lisa Neville said the funding will increase the popularity and accessibility for all Australians, no matter their backgrounds.

“We’re ensuring that Victoria’s popular tourist destinations can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone,” Ms Neville said.

“Expanding the network of accessible places cements Victoria’s status as the nation’s most accessible and inclusive state.

“These grants will help improve access so that more people can get the best out of their day-to-day lives.”

Barwon Coast will use its funds to implement a Changing Places extension to the eastern end of the current changing facility located 150 metres east of the Ocean Grove SLSC.

The heavily used section of Ocean Grove Main Beach where the extension will be constructed is visited by almost 120,000 visitors in 2021/22.

The beach currently provides an existing toilet, shower and changeroom facility open to the public all year round.

“Barwon Coast is pleased to have received the Changing Places funding which will help us ensure people of all abilities can access Ocean Grove Main Beach,” Barwon Coast general manager of operations Paul Gangell said.

“Over the past two years we have undertaken very significant work at Ocean Grove Main Beach to provide ramped access to the beach for anyone with mobility limitations.

“The Changing Places funding allows us to further improve access to the beach by adding a Changing Places facility to the existing main beach public amenities block.

“The facility will provide a fully accessible toilet, shower, electric height adjustable change table and hoist system.”

Bellarine Bayside will use its funding to assist in building the first stage of its Portarlington Main Beach Public Amenity project.

The new precinct will encompass the popular main beach at Portarlington and a section of the Bellarine Coastal Trail.

Planning and Environment Manager Justin Smith said Bellarine Bayside has identified improving accessibility on the northern Bellarine coast as a key goal over the coming years.

“We are grateful to receive funding for a Changing Places facility to provide an all-abilities beach experience on the calm waters of the northern Bellarine Peninsula,” Mr Smith said.

“The location selected for our Changing Places facility has close access to the main Portarlington beach with relatively flat and accessible topography.

“The new Changing Places facility, incorporated into a new public amenity facility with additional ambulant toilets, will allow the first stage of an all-abilities precinct on the northern Bellarine Peninsula to be realised.

“In future years we will explore options to add to the precinct, including having beach wheelchairs available at the Changing Places facility, installation of a number of new accessible cabins within the holiday park, improving the concrete trail network and enhancing all-abilities playground equipment closer to the town.”

The latest round of Changing Place grants builds on $5 million previously invested to build Changing Places facilities across Victoria.