A number of key themes have come into focus through Barwon Coast’s seven-month engagement process regarding the development of its Foreshore Master Plan.
The master plan, which will guide the management of all public coastal land between Breamlea and Collendina for the next 15 years, will be shaped by “extensive and inclusive” engagement, according to the report detailing the process.
Last week Barwon Coast released both the full engagement report – a comprehensive description of the engagement process – and a report summary.
The reports detail the processes used to engage a variety of sections of the community, including surveys, workshops, public pop-up events, youth forums, drop-in sessions and inter-agency meetings.
Through the course of gathering feedback, a number of common themes and values emerged.
The clearest message was that “people care deeply about this place”, with community members valuing the foreshore “not just as a natural landscape, but as part of their identity and way of life”.
Furthermore, people reported they wanted to balance protection of the coastland with the ability to access it, while being clear that “protection comes first” and where access is provided it should be “thoughtful… and respectful of the environment and cultural values”.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Sandra Gatehouse thanked the various groups of respondents represented in the report, which included community members, Traditional Owners, key stakeholders, a dedicated community reference group and visitors to the area.
“We are incredibly grateful for the depth and quality of feedback received from the community,” Ms Gatehouse said.
“The ideas, insights, and perspectives shared through these engagement activities will play a vital role in shaping the Draft Foreshore Master Plan.”
The draft document, which will be released in early 2026 for more community feedback. The results of that second round of engagement will then be used to develop the final plan, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Ms Gatehouse said Barwon Coast was now “taking the time to carefully consider this feedback, alongside technical and environmental considerations”.
“Barwon Coast is now taking the time to carefully consider this feedback, alongside technical and environmental considerations”.
“(This) ensures that the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our diverse community while protecting and enhancing the unique values of the Barwon Coast,” she said.
Visit barwoncoast.com.au/project/foreshoremasterplan to view the two engagement reports.
