New look revealed for Fishos

A NEW concept for a redeveloped Fishermans Beach car park has been released for public comment.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) opened engagement on its second draft of the proposed upgrade’s design this morning.

Key changes in the new plan include retaining access from the Salty Dog Café car park through to the overflow area, after previously proposing to separate those areas, and retaining the current traffic flow which enables entry only from the north end and exit from the south end, after flirting with a dual entry-exit lane.

The new plans retain 45-degree parking and designated boat trailer spaces at the overflow car park, which would become pavement.

There’s also a temporary laydown area provided for Torquay Outrigger Canoe Club, which was among the objectors to initial plans that provided no space for it to remain at the beach.

Other works identified in the project include a permanent, all-access timber walkway at the same spot as a current temporary beach access ramp, new pedestrian paths, bicycle parking, outdoor showers, landscaping and new facilities for fishers and kayakers.

The Authority said the changes were in response to community feedback it received in September last year on its first draft, which attracted hundreds of comments from residents and visitors but failed to find a consensus view.

An engagement report released in January found that 48 per cent believed the previous design would improve the layout for the site’s users, and 45 per cent said it would not.

Just 54 per cent of respondents supported provision of boat trailer parking during peak periods.

The authority will host further information sessions on the new design in person at Fishos Saturday next week (May 13) from 9-11am and the following Sunday (May 21) from 10am to 12pm. It will also host an online information session on May 17.

Consultation is open until May 31. The new plans can be viewed at GORCAPA’s website.