That's what former city councillor Peter Sycopoulis wants people to be able to do.

He is pushing for the council to prune thick bushes and trees at the car park to restore the sea vista.

"Almost 30 years ago the citizens of Warrnambool were robbed of the simple pleasure of parking their car at McGennan car park and enjoying a widespread ocean view," Mr Sycopoulis said.

"From the day it was poorly re-developed the locals have complained about it and wanted it restored back to its simple, effective and enjoyable design."

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McGennan car park was radically altered in the 1980s, much to the annoyance of local residents who used to enjoy watching the waves from their cars. The car park was again altered in 2010.

"In 2010, another $600,000 was spent to gain nine car parking spaces, a viewing platform and a footpath re-alignment," Mr Sycopoulis said.

"This figure included a $50,000 management plan and $150,000 per annum pruning fees. Evidently the pruning money was not used, otherwise we wouldn't have the towering monstrosities blocking any possible view.

"Incidentally, in 2010, this foreshore area had been deemed 'a potential death trap' and citizens were advised not to use it as a refuge on a day of catastrophic fire due to the abundant vegetation between McGennan car park and the beach area."

When he was on the council Mr Sycopoulis regularly called for the views to be reinstalled.

He said he was told the Department of Sustainability and Environment was the responsible authority for the car park vegetation.

"This was utter nonsense," he said.

He said he had met the council's chief executive officer Peter Schneider on a number of occasions.

"I believe him to be a thoroughly decent man," he said.

"He certainly has his challenges ahead of him but I have every faith he will be able to deliver on this one."

At the June council meeting Mr Sycopoulis asked if the views could be reinstated.

Mr Schneider said the council would be "having a look at that as one of the many things we do".

"We will keep you posted on the outcome," he said.

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