City starts new managment plan for Ramblers Road foreshore

DEVELOPMENT of a new management plan for the Ramblers Road foreshore in Portarlington is under way and the City of Greater Geelong has opened a community engagement process to help guide the actions needed to protect and enhance the area.

The city has setup an online page with a community survey open until February 10, and a series of workshops and information sessions are being held throughout January and February in conjunction with the Friends of Ramblers Road Group.

The Ramblers Road Foreshore Master Plan will review and replace the 2007 Management Plan over the 7.4-hectare site that is predominantly owned by the city, and recognise changes to the area that have occurred in the proceeding years.

Home to sand dunes, native vegetation, and lagoons the site is under competing strain from varying influences including population growth, climate change, native and non-native vegetation growth, and proximity to nearby homes and Point Richard Boat Harbour and ramp.

The area is also known as a nesting habitat for red-capped plovers and sightings of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot.

“The foreshore is so important for biodiversity and conservation, as well as a place where people enjoy swimming, fishing, and being out in nature,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“The feedback provided by community members will help us understand what people value about the area, any issues that need addressing, and will help us to prioritise investment.”

A report commissioned by the Friends of Ramblers Road published in September last year warned 23 highly invasive weed species dominated the area’s flora, covering 66 per cent of the site, and requires management to prevent further establishment. Sea wheat-grass encroachment was identified as a key threat to both the recreational and environmental future of the area.

The Australia Biological report stated bare-ground caused by high levels of foot traffic combined with accumulation of marine sediments was favouring the spread of weeds and exotic species, and raised concerns about the range of exotic trees and shrubs used as windbreaks by private properties on Ramblers Road along the foreshore boundary.

The city stated many of the issues raised in the report such as weed and sea-grass control would be addressed in the Master Plan, which is due for finalisation by September of this year.

For more information about the plan, community survey and information sessions, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/RRF