Draft Master Plan released for foreshore

COASTAL users will now get a chance to have their say following the release of the Draft Indented Head Master Plan by the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management (Bellarine Bayside).

Approximately 3.5 hectares of coastal Crown land along the seaside town of Indented Head’s foreshore spanning from Lewis Street to Batman Road will be the subject of community and visitor consultation over the next two weeks to help guide management of the precinct for the next 15 years.

The framework proposed in Bellarine Bayside’s draft master plan aims to address issues and concerns surrounding attractions such as the foreshore’s key seasonal campground Batman Reserve, Indented Head Yacht Club, Indented Head Community Hall, and the precinct’s section of the Bellarine Coastal Trail.

Indented Head Community Association secretary Ingrid Novosel said the draft had plenty of positives but there are a few key needs for residents that it does not address, particularly the plan to realign an incomplete section of the Coastal Trail down to Half Moon Bay.

Ms Novosel said despite Bellarine Bayside’s underlying objective to supply the residents with more community space, the proposed realignment of the trail in the draft located near the town’s community hall will have the opposite effect.

“This was proposed and rejected back in 2009 by council so the fact they are proposing this again is quite a disaster,” Ms Novosel said.

“What they should have done, and they could have back in 2009, is realign the trail along the top of the escarpment behind boatsheds 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 at that section of the foreshore.

“We are extremely happy with a number of the new facilities being proposed such as the upgrade and construction of new toilets, particularly the ones to be installed next to the Indented Head Boat Club, but things for the residents such as more community space are somewhat lacking.”

Bellarine Bayside states the draft also provides detail on proposed facilities and balances user aspirations with the protection of cultural assets and coastal and marine environment.

Numerous works are also outlined in the draft to enhance the camper experience, improve the natural environment, upgrade amenity buildings, address accessibility issues, and enhance facilities such as coastal furniture and playgrounds.

Ease of access throughout the area and to the popular beaches has also been put forth by Bellarine Bayside by streamlining multiple informal trails to reduce disturbance and improve safety along the foreshore.

Bellarine Bayside is inviting critical public feedback on the Draft Indented Head Master Plan until February 28, 2022. Feedback received during this consultation period will inform the final master plan.

You can view the draft master plan and provide feedback via an online survey at www.bellarinebayside.com.au/coastal-management/projects/current/ihmasterplan.