‘Master Plan’ can mean different things to different people. It is ivotal to this process to explore what a Master Plan looks like. To do this we will work with the community to develop a shared vision for the Foreshore. It’s important to recognise that ‘leaving things as they are’ isn’t the same as doing nothing.

The Master Plan will set Barwon Coasts direction and a significant amount of its program of work for the next 15 years. It will ensure that Barwon Coast is reponding to pressures like population growth, ageing infrastructure and coastal hazards (erosion and sea level rise), as well as guide investment to ensure we continue find the right balance between meeting the needs of our communities while protecting and enhacing our natural environment.  

In addition, the Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 (CMMP) is due for renewal in 2026. The outcomes of this project will inform development of a new CMMP.

Barwon Coast is working with Hatch Design to develop the Master Plan. Hatch Design will lead community engagement activities and development of the Master Plan.

Barwon Coast will coordinate the project and will work closely with our communities and stakeholder organisations, including Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Energy, Environment, Climate Action (DEECA), Department of Transport and Planning, City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria.

Yes. The Camping and Caravan Parks Master Plan, which sets out Barwon Coasts accommodation needs for the next 10 years, was approved in 2023. The Foreshore Master Plan will not review the accommodation needs but will review camping and caravan park areas in relation to public access and facilities through the Foreshore reserves.

Development of master plan is a key strategic action out of the Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 (CMMP).

The Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 (CMMP) guides the long-term use and management of the beaches, foreshores and caravan parks in the reserve.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc (Barwon Coast) is delegated to manage 19km of the coast along Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. This includes the beaches and foreshores of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach and Breamlea. In partnership with Traditional Owners, Barwon Coast’s charter is to protect and enhance the natural environment and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy these areas.

Barwon Coast operates three caravan parks and one campground in the foreshore reserve, as well as managing various commercial leases and licences. All revenue raised is reinvested to care for the natural environment and to provide facilities and infrastructure along the coast for use and enjoyment by all.

An implementation plan will be developed alongside the Master Plan which will set out priority actions (e.g. high, medium, low), costs estimates and potential funding sources.  A quantity surveyor has been engaged to provide cost estimates.  The implementation plan will guide Barwon Coast’s operational budgets and yearly works schedule. Actions will be implemented by Barwon Coast staff, contractors and consultants (depending on the required skills, timing and expertise). 

Barwon Coast’s yearly operating budgets will include funds to complete actions each year over the lifetime of the Master Plan. Larger and more complex actions may require grant support to enable delivery (when available).

An extensive program of community engagement activities has been planned throughout 2025 and into early 2026.

• Wider community engagement started with launch of a Community Survey on 1 March 2025 and pop-up Stall at Lahey Square. Over 50 community members attended and shared their ideas and priorities for the Barwon Coast Foreshore.
• The Community Survey was open from 1-30 March.
• Feedback from this survey will help shape our Community and Stakeholder Design Workshops, occurring in June 2025. These interactive workshops will allow participants to develop, test, and sketch ideas, addressing concerns and providing real-time feedback. This input will help shape a draft Master Plan and concept plans that reflect the community, visitor, and stakeholder vision. A report on ‘what we heard’ will be released for public review.
• A draft Master Plan will be released for feedback in late 2025.

In addition to these activities, a Community Reference Group (CRG) has been formed, which includes over 20 representatives from the community and community organisations who will be key advocates in ensuring the plan meets the needs of the community, visitors, and those invested in the foreshore.

The Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 provides guidance for the planning, management and sustainable use of the coastal and marine environment. Key elements include;

• Acknowledging Traditional Owners rights aspirations and knowledge.
• Protecting and enhancing the marine and coastal environment.
• Respecting natural processes and adapting to climate change.
• Use and develop sustainably.

Other relevant documents include;

• Siting and design guidelines for structures on Victoria 2020
• Coastal and Marine Management Plan Guidelines 2023
• Bellarine Peninsula Statement if Planning Policy 2023
• Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy 2022