Bellarine Bayside seeks community input through listening posts

BELLARINE Bayside will host community listening posts across the North Bellarine this month to gain an insight and knowledge into what is valued about the foreshore.

The Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management is reviewing its existing Foreshore Plan to create a new Coastal and Marine Management Plan in accordance with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.

The new Coastal and Marine Management Plan will be an all-encompassing document to guide the future protection, enhancement, development and management of the Crown land coastal reserve along the northern Bellarine Peninsula.

Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer John Nankervis said the review would be done in consultation with key stakeholders and local community members.

“Community consultation is an important part of this process to allow us to gain local insight and knowledge into what is valued about the foreshore, as well as what the community sees as key issues affecting the coast,” Mr Nankervis said.

The first step of community consultation is underway with the release of a discussion paper to encourage conversations and seek input form the community.

Bellarine Bayside staff will be out in the community over the coming month to meet community members and gather input on issues and initiatives to be considered during the review.

Community Listening Posts will be held at:
St Leonards Pier, Saturday April 13, 9.30am-11am

Indented Head Community Hall, Sunday April 14, 9.30am-11am

St Leonards Community Space (3/1377 Murradoc Road, St Leonards), Monday April 15, 6.30pm-8pm Bayview Room, Parks Hall Portarlington, Tuesday April 16, 6.30pm-8pm

Indented Head Community Hall, Wednesday April 17, 6.30pm-8pm

Lions Portarlington Market, Sunday April 28, 10am-1pm

Feedback on the discussion paper can be given via the “Future of the northern Bellarine Foreshore” survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/PLC9G39.

The survey closes for public feedback at 5pm on Sunday May 12.

To view the discussion paper, details of the planning process and consultation opportunities visit the Bellarine Bayside at bellarinebayside.com.au.