Do you love this coast more than most?

Join our Community Reference Group

Applications have now closed to join the Foreshore Master Plan Community Reference Group.  Applicants will be notified in early 2025. For project updates and upcoming engagement opportunities, please click below.

Keep me up to date

What’s involved?

Being part of the Community Reference Group means you will be working closely with Barwon Coast to help shape our Foreshore Master Plan. The master plan will look into the next 10-15 years and guide the types of uses and infrastructure (such as trails, open space, facilities and amenities) needed along the foreshore so we can best manage the natural environment while meeting the needs of our diverse communities. 

Over the next 12-18 months it will see you participating in bi-monthly catch-ups (in-person and online) and several community workshops.  It is an exciting opportunity for those that love our coast more the most. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the Foreshore Master Plan project?

In 2025 Barwon Coast will be creating a master plan for all the coastal public land we manage between Breamlea and Ocean Grove. This includes Bancoora Beach, Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Bluff, Barwon Heads foreshore, Bukareeyoo, Ocean Grove Main Beach and Collendina, as shown below.

The master plan will set the strategic land use direction for all land with a focus on key activity areas such as Bancoora Beach, Ocean Grove Main Beach and Barwon Heads foreshore. The plan will inform Barwon Coast’s works program for the next 10-15 years.

The project is a key action out of Barwon Coast’s Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 which provides the foundation for this master plan.

We are only at the very beginning of this journey so stay tuned for more information. 

Is this the only opportunity for me to be involved in this project?

No. Keep an eye out for upcoming online and in-person engagement opportunities to get involved.

Who can apply?

Anyone over the age of 18 years of age can apply.

Who is part of the Community Reference Group?

The group will have approximately 20 members and will include representatives from key local community organisations and people from the local community that have applied.

How will people be selected to be part of the Community Reference Group?

People will be chosen with an aim to be inclusive and diverse to represent a broad range of demographics, skills, knowledge, interests and perspectives. This will assist us in understanding differing needs within our communities. 

How will the Community Reference Group work and what is expected of me?

The group will be chaired by a member of the Barwon Coast Committee and be guided a Terms or Reference. A draft Terms of Reference can be found here which outlines roles and responsibilities. These will be confirmed at the first Community Reference Group meeting.

What if I can’t make all the meetings?

We understand if you cannot make some meetings and workshops. We just ask you make reasonable efforts to attend. 

Didn’t Barwon Coast recently complete a master plan?

Yes. Barwon Coast recently completed the Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan in 2023 which sets out Barwon Coast’s accommodation needs for the future. The Foreshore Master Plan will not review the accommodation offerings.

For further information please contact:

• 
  Sam Foster, Coastal Planning Officer
  
• 
  (03) 5254 1118
  
• 
  [email protected]