The Future of the Breamlea General Store

Project overview

Breamlea is an incredibly special coastal village tucked away on the south coast of Victoria, mid-way between Barwon Heads and Torquay. Breamlea is known for its beautiful bush setting, stunning beaches, significance to the Wadawurrung and its small, close-knit community.

In April 2022 the management of the Breamlea coastal reserves transferred from the City of Greater Geelong to Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast). This includes the management of the Breamlea Caravan Park and the on-site Breamlea General Store.

Barwon Coast is committed to working to balance community benefit with responsible management of our resources. Following almost 18 months of operation, Barwon Coast has experienced a significant financial loss from operating the General Store. Due to this loss, we are reviewing options to change the service model to be more financially sustainable while continuing to provide a valuable service to campers, the local community and visitors.

Community consultation

In late 2023 we asked Breamlea residents, campers, Barwon Coast communities and General Store customers to help by providing their thoughts and ideas about the future of the General Store.

We conducted an online survey and held face-to-face staff, community and camper focus groups and workshops to fully understand community and camper priorities.

The objective of the community consultation is to provide Breamlea community members and campers with opportunities to share their thoughts around preferences for service and product provision at the Breamlea General Store. This information will be considered by Barwon Coast Committee of Management in its decision making.

Phase 1: determine community priorities

The first phase of consultation is included in an online survey and community, resident and camper Focus Groups. This phase is now complete.

Barwon Coast has reviewed the feedback we have received from the community, spoken to local organisations and stakeholders, and will now work to determine options for the future of the Breamlea General Store.

Community Feedback summary report

Phase 2: feedback on options

The second phase of consultation took place in mid 2024 and involved bringing community and camper Focus Groups back together to discuss and provide feedback around potential options for the future of the Breamlea General Store. This phase is now complete.

Phase 3: close the loop

In the third phase, we will let you know the final decision and share a community consultation report, summarising the themes and feedback we received and how they helped shape the final decision.

Phase 3: the decision explained

Future of the Breamlea Caravan Park, General Store & Post Office

Since taking over the Committee of Management responsibilities for Bancoora and Breamlea from the City of Greater Geelong in April 2022, Barwon Coast has been carefully evaluating the alignment of Breamlea Post Office and General Store with our core responsibilities as a coastal land manager. Our strategic objectives, as established by the State Government, focus on protecting and enhancing the marine and coastal environment, adapting to climate change, and ensuring sustainable management of coastal Crown land.

After thorough assessment and community engagement, we have made the difficult decision to surrender our postal licence, reduce the general store offering and operating period of Caravan Park reception, and relocate the Caravan Park reception to the General Store building. These changes will ensure we continue operating in a sustainable and cost-effective manner while focusing on our key responsibilities.

What is happening to Breamlea Post Office?

Barwon Coast will cease postal services on 5 May 2025. Australia Post has been informed and will begin community engagement regarding alternative postal services for Breamlea residents. We encourage the community to participate in these discussions.

Will there still be a General Store in Breamlea?

The General Store, in its current form, will close on 5 May 2025. However, the building will be repurposed to accommodate the Caravan Park reception and guest services. The store will likely operate seasonally from September to April, with a reduced product mix, depending on demand and Caravan Park occupancy.

What changes will be made to the General Store building?

The building will undergo renovations to better support the Caravan Park reception and guest services. These updates aim to improve functionality and visitor experience while ensuring the continued provision of some store services during peak periods.

How will these changes impact the Breamlea community?

We acknowledge that these changes will have an impact, particularly regarding access to postal services and the General Store. That is why we have taken the time to explore all sustainable operating model options and engage with Australia Post to determine alternative postal service solutions. We encourage the community to be actively involved in these discussions.

What consultation has been undertaken before making these decisions?

Various community engagement activities occurred in late 2023 and early 2024 regarding the general store and post office. General feedback has been that the shop is highly valued by campers, while both the Breamlea General store and post service are considered important by the Breamlea community.

Community Feedback Summary Report

A public Expression of Interest for a tenant for the General Store (with or without LPO) was also completed in 2024 with no enquiries or submissions received.

Will there be job losses as a result of these changes?

We understand the impact on Barwon Coast employees and the local community, and we have carefully considered this in our decision-making process. Affected employees have been engaged in discussions, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.

How can the community provide feedback or ask further questions?

We appreciate and value the community’s engagement and input since Barwon Coast has had coastal management responsibilities for Bancoora and Breamlea. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at office@barwoncoast.com.au or call us on 03 5254 1118.