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Latest News
Close X15 October 2026
Hooded Plover update – two new nests at Thirteenth Beach
Great news for Hooded Plovers, with two new nests identified at Thirteenth Beach
13 October 2026
Temporary parking changes at Lahey Square – Wedsnesday 14 October
Filming for a car commercial is taking place in Barwon Heads on Wednesday 14 October.
7 October 2026
Hooded Plover breeding season update
Hooded Plover breeding season is underway across our coast, with a new nest now confirmed.
7 October 2026
Damage to Crater toilet block at 13th Beach
The Crater public toilet block at the lower car park next to Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been temporarily closed following significant damage to the building overnight.
6 October 2026
Increased mosquito activity across the region
Barwon Coast is aware of increased mosquito activity following an unusually early start to the mosquito breeding season.
Community feedback open on draft Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan
Published on 26 March 2026
Community feedback is now being sought on the draft Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan (CAP). The online survey is open from 26 March to 3 May, 2026, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the Bancoora coastline to review the Plan and share their thoughts.
Background
Bancoora Beach and the Breamlea foreshore are treasured for their cultural values, natural beauty and as places to unwind and connect with nature. Like many coastal areas, Bancoora is experiencing increased visitation as the population grows in outer Geelong and the nearby Armstrong Creek growth corridor.
The coastline is naturally dynamic, shaped by shifting sand, tides, waves and currents. These natural processes will continue to influence the coast into the future. As sea levels rise and storm activity increases, parts of the coastline may be inundated, while other areas may be eroded and reshaped by sand movement.
About the draft Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan
Barwon Coast, in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), has developed the Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan for Bancoora Beach and the Breamlea foreshore. Alluvium Consulting were engaged to prepare the Plan.
The project was funded through the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria’s Resilient Coast Grants Program 2023.
The draft Plan aims to understand the cultural, environmental and community values of Bancoora and the Breamlea foreshore, and how these may be affected by coastal change such as sea level rise, erosion and inundation. It considers potential impacts on important places, infrastructure and uses, and identifies adaptation options to manage current and future coastal risks.
Draft Plan now available for community feedback
The draft Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan is now available to read. The consultation period is open from today, 26 March, to 1 May, 2026.
Fill out the Community Feedback Survey
Have your say by 3 May, 2026
The community is invited to provide feedback in the following ways:
1. Drop-in information session
A drop-in information session will be held where community members can learn more about the Plan and ask questions.- Location: Breamlea Community Hall
Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
The expert consultants who prepared the Plan, Alluvium Consulting, will be there alongside Barwon Coast staff to explain the findings and help answer questions.
2. Community feedback survey
You can also share your feedback by completing our online community survey. Printed surveys are available on request.
The survey closes 1 May, 2026.
Fill out the Community Feedback Survey
3. Make a submission
Community members can also provide feedback by making a written submission.
Submissions can be emailed to office@barwoncoast.com.au with the subject line Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan submission, via post to 7 Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads, 3227.
Submissions must be received by 3 May, 2026.
Your feedback will help inform the finalisation of the Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan and guide how this stretch of coastline is cared for into the future.
Learn more about the Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan on our dedicated project page.
Please note: previous communications incorrectly stated the consultation closing date as Sunday, 1 May. The correct closing date is Sunday, 3 May. We apologise for any confusion caused.
Related Articles
Hooded Plover update – two new nests at Thirteenth Beach
Great news for Hooded Plovers, with two new nests identified at Thirteenth Beach
Temporary parking changes at Lahey Square – Wedsnesday 14 October
Filming for a car commercial is taking place in Barwon Heads on Wednesday 14 October.
Hooded Plover breeding season update
Hooded Plover breeding season is underway across our coast, with a new nest now confirmed.
Damage to Crater toilet block at 13th Beach
The Crater public toilet block at the lower car park next to Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been temporarily closed following significant damage to the building overnight.
We`re Hiring! Sustainability & Community Officer
Help shape a more sustainable future for our coast and community!
Are you passionate about sustainability, connecting people and making a real difference to our coastal environment?
We`re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Sustainability & Community Officer to join the Barwon Coast team!
This is an exciting opportunity to help drive our sustainability initiatives, strengthen relationships with our incredible volunteers and community groups, and create meaningful environmental education and engagement opportunities.
You`ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting and caring for the beautiful coastline across Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and beyond.
Sound like you, or someone you know?
We`d love to hear from you!
👉 Apply now: https://barwoncoast.com.au/career/sustainability-community-officer/
Please share with your networks and help us find our next team member!
#BarwonCoast #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalEducation #CoastalConservation #GeelongJobs #BellarinePeninsulaOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17900276976670927
🌿 What does caring for the coast mean?
Well, it means lots of things! From maintaining the facilities and infrastructure across the 22 km of coastal Crown land we manage, to doing everything we can to protect our precious natural environment and restoring native vegetation.
🌱 Like this little Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) tree – one of 250 plants of varying native species planted across our coastal reserves over the past three months.
Choosing the right plants for the right places helps restore habitat, support local biodiversity and ensure our coast continues to thrive for generations to come.
It`s all part of the everyday work that goes into caring for our coast. 💚
#CaringForOurCoast #BarwonCoast #CoastalConservation #BiodiversityOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17906692704576068
🐣🐣 Great news for our little Hoodies!
We`ve got two new Hooded Plover nests at 13th Beach, and the existing nest at Bluff South Dune (The Corner) is still going strong! 💚
🥚🥚🥚 13th Beach – Boings: 3 eggs
🥚 13th Beach – The Ant: 1 egg
🥚🥚🥚 Bluff South Dune – The Corner: Nest still in place!
We`re also keeping a close eye on three potential nesting sites at Bancoora – Black Rock, Breamlea and Wedge Street to Tuckfield Street at Ocean Grove/Collendina.
It`s encouraging news for these vulnerable little shorebirds, but there`s still a long way to go before any chicks successfully fledge.
If you`re heading to the beach, please give our Hoodies plenty of space, follow temporary signage and keep dogs on lead where required.
A huge shout-out to the wonderful Friends of the Hooded Plover – Bellarine volunteers, whose dedication, countless hours of monitoring and tireless efforts to protect these vulnerable little birds make such a difference. We`re so grateful for everything you do to give our Hoodies the best chance of survival! 💚🐣
👉 Read the latest nesting update on our website news page.Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18416111614155062
🐦 Calling all bird lovers!
The Aussie Bird Count is back from 19–25 October, and our friends at BirdLife Australia (@birdlifeoz) are inviting everyone to get involved!
Whether you`re exploring our beautiful coastline, relaxing in your backyard or visiting a local park, all it takes is 20 minutes to discover the birdlife around you.
It`s a fun, free way to connect with nature while contributing to important citizen science that helps us better understand Australia`s bird populations.
🌿 No birdwatching experience needed – just a keen eye and a little curiosity!
👉 Register now at https://aussiebirdcount.org.au and get counting!Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18097783967401894
🌱 Our fleet is getting greener! 🚗⚡
We`re making the switch to greener ways of working, with three electric cleaning carts and an electric car already part of our fleet – and an electric van joining us soon!
Even better, our electric fleet is partially powered by renewable energy generated by solar panels installed on some of our facilities. ☀️
It`s all part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and finding more sustainable ways to care for the 22 km of coast we manage.
Small changes making a positive difference for our coast and community. 💚
#BarwonCoast #Sustainability #GreenFleetOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17993381511020214
🎬 Lights, camera, Barwon Heads!
We love seeing our beautiful coast in the spotlight! Tomorrow morning (Wednesday 14 October), a car commercial will be filmed around Lahey Square.
🚗 Temporary parking changes
Lahey Square car park will be closed from approximately 7am to 10.45 am, with some gravel parking along Jetty Road also unavailable during filming.
Parking will remain available at At The Heads and along Flinders Parade.
Thanks for your patience while the cameras roll – we can`t wait to see our coast on the telly! 📺🌊Open post by barwoncoast with ID 17972896956179183
While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it`s best to take precautions.
If you`re out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:
✅ Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
✅ Don`t allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
✅ Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife
These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.
If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.
Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfareOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 18078512987719592
Seals are an important part of Victoria`s coastal landscape and our communities.
With H5 bird flu detected in seals in Victoria, it’s important not to touch sick, injured or dead seals and other marine mammals.
If you see a marine mammal that appears unwell:
Stay at least 30 metres away. Keep children and pets clear.
Do not touch, handle or attempt to move the animal
Avoid disturbing groups of seals resting on beaches or rocks
Report sick or dead wildlife
Limiting contact with potentially infected wildlife helps protect people, pets, livestock and other wildlife.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdfluOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17991068883023756
💧 Barwon River water quality update
Good news! Barwon Water has confirmed that water quality in the Barwon River through Geelong has returned to normal background levels following recent testing.
Thank you to the community for your patience and understanding during this time.
For further information, please follow @BarwonWater and check their website for updates.Open post by barwoncoast with ID 17993258552844870
Some exciting Hoodie news! 💙🥚
One of the scrapes we’ve been keeping an eye on has officially become a nest, with a Hooded Plover pair laying eggs at Bluff South Dune – The Corner.
As you can see, these tiny, well-camouflaged eggs are sitting in some pretty rough terrain – a reminder of just how vulnerable Hooded Plovers are while nesting on our beaches.
If you’re visiting the area, please help give this pair the best chance of success:
💙 Steer well clear of the nesting area and give the birds plenty of space
💙 Keep dogs on lead and under control
💙 Walk close to the waterline and away from the dunes
💙 Never approach or disturb nests, eggs or birds
Fingers crossed for this little family! 🤞💙Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18037364765833963
This is Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the land, waters, seas and skies of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach, Black Rock and Breamlea. We honour and say Nyatne to Elders past, present and future whose ancestors, for thousands of years, have cared for this part of Dja (Country). We are committed as an organisation to meaningfully work together with Traditional Owners to make Wadawurrung Culture and Country strong.
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