Your Say, Your Bay

Thankyou for everyone's feedback on the Draft Foreshore Management Plan. The public consultation on the Draft Foreshore Management Plan closed on November 30, 2011. Council adopted the Foreshore Management Plan in March. If you would like further information on the finalised Foreshore Management Plan please contact David Hehir –Foreshore Coordinator on ospace@portphillip.vic.gov.au or phone 9209 6635.

Thanks again for everyone's contribution to improve Port Phillip's foreshore.

Background

The foreshore is Port Phillip's most outstanding natural and cultural asset and plays a very important social and recreational role for the local and wider population. Port Phillip's foreshore includes the beaches and adjoining paths, buildings, parks and open spaces. The Foreshore Management Plan will guide how we protect, maintain and manage our coastline and foreshore.

Over the past year Council has been informed of what you like, value and want to protect along our foreshore. Now is your chance to make sure we got it right or let us know what else needs to be included in the Foreshore Management Plan.

• Please read the summary of the Foreshore Management Plan.
• Complete our quick poll
• Add your thoughts to the discussion topic below.

Your Say...Your Bay

Initial community consultation occurred during October and November 2010. In order to ensure that a representative number of individuals, groups and opinions were captured, Council sought information from the community and business through a variety of mediums. This included:

• Online discussion forum.
• 380 telephone surveys with residents.
• Video interviews conducted along the foreshore.
• 202 on-site surveys along the length of the foreshore.
• Foreshore Management Plan community Reference Committee.
• 80 participants at the 'Your Bay Your Say' public consultation event on November 17, 2010.
• 32 attendees at two separate workshops from agencies, community groups and businesses.

Ten major themes were identified during the analysis of the consultation activities and Background Review.

Community participation and support - Opportunities were sought to increase and better coordinate the support for non-profit foreshore community volunteer activities, such as the beach cleaning, sporting and environmental groups. It was noted areas of foreshore vegetation lacked the support from dedicated community groups to care for and assist in the protection and enhancement of the significant coastal environment. Improved communication and public awareness actions were also consistently raised to increase community understanding of coastal processes, native vegetation and level of public investment on the foreshore.

Management- Expectations of both maintenance and management of the foreshore was identified as a major theme. This included issues relating to Council presence, integrated planning, litter collection and prevention, open space and beach maintenance.

Vegetation and biodiversity - Improvements were sought in the condition and coverage of vegetation along the foreshore with particular emphasis on increased shade and habitat values.

Recreation - There was range of expectations seeking a balance between active and passive recreational pursuits. Actions were also sought to reduce swim safety risks.

Accessibility - There were consistent expectations for Council to improve accessibility and connectivity to and along the foreshore. This included water access for mobility challenged as well as directional and information signage for pedestrians and bike riders. Improved traffic management around Pier Road and Station Pier was also identified.

Infrastructure - There were numerous expectations relating to improvements to infrastructure along the length of the foreshore. This included items such as drinking fountains, waste bins, bike rider and pedestrian paths, litter traps, stormwater drainage, lighting, buildings and playgrounds. Major upgrades to Life Saving Club buildings, toilets and stormwater infrastructure were seen to be of significant importance for the Port Phillip community.

Diversity of activities - There was support for a wide range of foreshore activities including permitted events. Expectations highlighted the need for maintaining the diversity of leisure, cultural and sporting activities and balancing the differing values of foreshore users.

Place/Character - Comments related to the protection and enhancement of each foreshore areas unique values. Expectations in regard to cultural heritage, public art, public views, foreshore dependant developments compatibility with the surrounding landscape and improved amenity were of particular importance.

Sustainability - The community identified consistent issues seeking improved environmental sustainability of our bay, beaches and buildings including responses to predicted climate change impacts.

Economic - Economic development to achieve a balanced use of the foreshore public land for both residents and visitors was the final theme identified as part of the consultation.

Click here to view the full version of the Foreshore Management Plan and Background Review.

To have your say join the online forum below or provide your comments and feedback via ospace@portphillip.vic.gov.au