The survey on Moyne Shire Council’s East Beach masterplan has received strong community support, according to Mayor Mick Wolfe.
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Cr Wolfe said the masterplan will guide the renewal of the Beach Street foreshore, which he described as the “jewel in the crown” of Port Fairy.
He said 130 surveys had been filled out on the council’s website, while 80 people attended three two-hour pop-up presentations held last week.
“Survey results so far show the vast majority of people like the draft masterplan and support the enhancement of the area for all to enjoy,” Cr Wolfe said.
“The draft masterplan has kept the natural character and charm of Port Fairy.”
Cr Wolfe said car parking and the location of toilets were “hot topics” of discussion among the respondents.
The master plan proposes a slight re-alignment of Beach Street and Hughes Avenue, with an eye to increasing the number of car parks and area for pedestrians.
Cr Wolfe said roads will be re-graded to drain away from residential properties. The proposal would see the total number of marked car parking spaces in the precinct increased from 69 to 116, adding 15 spaces with a view.
The proposal would also provide two new accessible toilet facilities at either end of East Beach, instead of the existing large central block. All cubicles would be universally accessible.
Cr Wolfe said the proposal would address the issue of accessibility, with only a small number of formal paths currently available.
He said the plan would provide access from disabled parking to the Jim Pevitt Beach Access ramp, along with an accessible path from a new car park off Hughes Avenue to the west of the Surf Club.
Cr Wolfe said the need for the rock seawall renewal program to continue to protect the foreshore from rising sea levels was also considered important.
The online survey is open until February 1 and Cr Wolfe said he hoped to see more feedback.
“Whether you walk your dog on the beach, take a morning dip, or just sit in your car to take in the ocean views, we want to hear what you think of our plan,” he said.
“East Beach is a place for everyone, and we have an opportunity to create an area that is accessible to all.”
