Funding to upgrade Bellarine coast safety and access

THE Bellarine Peninsula’s coastline is set for major improvements in safety and access through recent state government grant allocations.

The Coastal Public Access and Risk (CPAR) Grants program for 2023-2024 has provided financial support to local coastal Crown land managers to help reduce coastal risk and enhance public access.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said it was vital work.

“It is important that there are safe access points for beach users throughout the Bellarine, and these grants will assist in updating access in a manner that has minimal impact to the natural coastal processes.”

Barwon Coast Committee of Management received $137,900 to replace the 30W beach access stairs and $130,050 for the 11W beach access stairs.

Committee chair Sandy Gatehouse expressed gratitude for the support.

“Barwon Coast thanks the Victorian government for providing funding through the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants to replace aging beach access stairs at 30W and 11W,” she said.

“These upgraded structures ensure the community can safely access our beloved beaches while minimising impacts on the dynamic coastal environment.”

Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management was awarded $108,500 for the Portarlington All Abilities Beach Access project.

The initiative will create a safe link from a newly developed accessible toilet across the foreshore road to the beach, including accessible paths, wombat crossings, disabled parking, all-abilities beach matting, and accessible furniture.

The same committee also secured $70,000 for the North Bellarine Beach Access Feasibility Study.

The study will assess current beach access along the North Bellarine foreshore, evaluate their long-term feasibility, and make recommendations for future management.

The Borough of Queenscliffe received $37,191 to extend the Dog Beach wet sand fence and install additional warning signs for unstable sand dunes.

An additional $24,971 was granted for a comprehensive audit of beach emergency, warning, and information signage at 44 beach access points throughout the borough, with updates to signage and infrastructure as needed.