Public consultation on Jan Juc ramp to close

Jan Juc's Beach Access Ramp will undergo replacement construction early-mid next year, providing better public and vehicular beach access for both Jan Juc SLSC and the public. Photo: SUPPLIED

A DEGRADED beach access ramp located in Jan Juc is set for a revamp, but the leading authority on its replacement is eager to hear ideas from community members.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will close public consultation on the replacement of the Jan Juc Beach Access Ramp on Monday, November 13.

GORCAPA chief executive officer Jodie Sizer says the new ramp, which will begin construction after the peak summer period in 2024, will greatly improve safety, accessibility, and functionality for lifesavers, pedestrians, and maintenance vehicles and equipment.

“Jan Juc is one of our most popular beaches along the coast and we want to make sure that all beachgoers have a safe and enjoyable experience,” Ms Sizer said.

“We’re eager to hear ideas from locals, visitors, and stakeholders about how we can improve safety at the beach access ramp and why they love Jan Juc beach.

“We want to deliver ramp improvements that are fit for purpose, accessible and resilient to the impacts of climate change so that locals and visitors to Jan Juc can continue to enjoy the beach safely for many years to come.”

Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club president Brett Thompson said GORCAPA had been very co-operative and transparent with the club over the past few years, given the club’s close proximity to the ramp.

“This ramp does mean a lot to us.

“A couple of years ago when the king tides came in, we were not able to access the beach ramp, which made things extremely difficult, and I think that was the catalyst for building this new ramp in the first place.

“So we’re all for the new ramp, to put it simply, and we can’t wait for construction to begin.

“It should make patrolling a lot easier, vehicle access a lot more streamlined, and beach access should be improved a great deal as well.

“The big thing the club is calling for is the increased size of the ramp, providing ample space for our All-Terrain Vehicles, our Inflatable Rescue Boats, and other equipment to access the beach.”

To provide feedback about the proposal, head to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/jan-juc-ramp