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Collendina Bonnyvale Road beach access stairs – design update

Published on 19 March 2026

 


We would like to provide an update on the Collendina Bonnyvale Road beach access stairs upgrade project.

Construction commenced on 2 February and is on track for completion by the end of March, ahead of the Easter period.

During construction, contractors uncovered remnants of an old staircase, including substantial footings. To avoid further ground disturbance and minimise the risk of destabilising the dune, the staircase alignment has been adjusted. The new alignment incorporates part of the area previously occupied by the former sand track.

This sand track has been closed for more than two years due to safety concerns while longer-term planning has been undertaken.

The draft Foreshore Master Plan, expected to be released in the coming months, is being informed by both community input and technical work, including the Accessibility Audit, Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan, Coastal Hazards Exposure Report and draft Barwon Coast Biodiversity Strategy.

The Accessibility Audit identifies physical and social barriers across coastal sites and highlights opportunities to improve inclusion. Due to the height and steepness of the dune at Collendina, the site cannot support a safe or compliant ramp or accessible pathway. The report can be viewed here (see pages 59–65): Creating Connection Places and Spaces Audit 2025

While we recognise that some community members previously used the sand track and would like to see it reinstated, safety remains the priority. Accessible, ramped beach access is available at Hodgson Street Ocean Grove and Ocean Grove Main Beach.

This project is being delivered by Barwon Coast with support from the Victorian Government’s 2024–25 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program.

The previous stairs were ageing and had been impacted by storms and coastal erosion. They are being replaced with a modern, more accessible structure, along with improvements to fencing, pathways and overall access. These upgrades will improve safety for beach users while protecting the surrounding dune environment.

Extensive planning has been undertaken to ensure the new staircase design is safe, compliant and appropriate for this sensitive coastal location. This has included engineering and technical assessments, coastal process investigations, and review of access standards and relevant legislation. Community feedback gathered through Barwon Coast’s recent Access Audit has also helped inform the design.

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