Your coast, your future: help shape the Barwon Coast Foreshore

Press Release

Your coast, your future: help shape the Barwon Coast Foreshore

Barwon Coast is calling on the community to help shape the future of the Barwon Coast Foreshore through an exciting new Master Plan.

Community consultation will open Saturday, 1 March, with locals, visitors, and stakeholders invited to have their say on the future of this incredibly special stretch of coastline.

The Barwon Coast Foreshore Master Plan will guide the protection, enhancement, and connection of key areas including Bancoora Beach, Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Bluff, Barwon Heads Foreshore, Bukareeyoo, Ocean Grove Main Beach, and Collendina. Community insights will play a vital role in shaping this 15-year plan to ensure the Foreshore is preserved and managed for future generations.

Have your say
The community is encouraged to contribute to the Master Plan in the following ways:

• Complete the survey – open from 1-31 March 2025, the survey provides an opportunity for individuals to share their thoughts on what matters most for the future of the Foreshore.
• Join us at our pop-up event at Lahey Square (Jetty Road, Barwon Heads) on Saturday, 1 March from 8:30am to 10:30am to discuss the project, ask questions, and share your ideas.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible,” said Peter Farrell, Barwon Coast Committee of Management Deputy Chair. “The Foreshore is a treasured place for our community, and this Master Plan will ensure it is protected and enhanced in a way that reflects local values and aspirations.”

The Master Plan is a key action under the Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-25 and will align with the Camping and Caravan Parks Master Plan, approved in 2023. It will also inform the development of the next Coastal and Marine Management Plan, set to be renewed in 2026.

Barwon Coast is working closely with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, state and local government agencies, and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and inclusive plan. A Community Reference Group, formed in late 2024, will help ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community and visitors.

Following the survey, community and stakeholder design workshops will take place in June 2025, allowing participants to explore ideas and provide real-time feedback. A draft Master Plan is expected to be released for public review in late 2025, with further opportunities for input before the final plan is completed in 2026.

To complete the survey and learn more about the Barwon Coast Foreshore Master Plan, visit engage.vic.gov.au/barwon-coast-foreshore-master-plan after 1 March, 2025.

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Barwon Coast Committee of Management Deputy Chair Peter Farrell and CEO Gareth Smith.

Notes for editors:

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast)

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast) is appointed by the Victorian State Government to manage 19km of coastal Crown land through the Ocean Grove,  Barwon Heads and Breamlea townships, along the Bass Strait coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Our vision is that the natural environment of our coastline will flourish whilst meeting the needs of our engaged communities. 

For further information contact:

• 
  Ann Card, Communications & Engagement Coordinator
  
• 
  0437 177 735
  
• 
  [email protected]