Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on this project. We have reviewed community and partner agency feedback, and have shared a report on these findings below.
We are currently developing a draft site plan with a landscape architect for the car park on the St Leonards coast, near St Leonards pier. This site plan is being developed with core design objectives in mind, and considering community and partner agency feedback.
Further community engagement on this project will occur in May/June 2024 when the Draft St Leonards Foreshore Site Plan in released.
Bellarine Bayside, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, sought to develop a plan for approximately 2.9 hectares of the St Leonards foreshore, comprising the car park area to the north (managed by Bellarine Bayside) and Harvey Park to the south (managed by the City of Greater Geelong).
Initiated as an action in the Northern Bellarine Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-25 (the CMMP), the process sought to address safety concerns and management issues, as well as explore opportunities to enhance the area by understanding user aspirations. By undertaking the process in partnership, issues and aspirations could be addressed in a holistic manner between the neighbouring land management areas.
The area initially identified adjoins the main township of St Leonards and is popular for providing access to the beach, pier, main street, water activities, and open recreational space.
Bellarine Bayside and the City of Greater Geelong held the first phase of public consultation in January – February 2023, seeking feedback on the entire identified area. After discussion with the City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Bayside is now developing a site plan for the land we manage.
The site plan is being developed based on three core design factors:
And with the following design objectives:
St Leonards Foreshore Site Plan area
During the consultation, we heard a range of themes realting to the car park site plan. Many people expressed that they strongly value the natural environment, the beach, and the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the area, with low emphasis placed on infrastructure or hard landscaping.
Issues raised in relation to the proposed concept include accessibility in the car park, along the trail, and when accessing the pier. There was also concern about reductions to parking.
A balance of views was received about how much to change overall. However, there was a consistent desire not to over-develop and ensure the seaside village character is maintained.
To find out more about what we heard, download the “What We Heard” document under the Related Documents section on this page.
Consultation is currently closed.
Please refer to the timeline for future consultation opportunities.
Bellarine Bayside acknowledges the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Custodians of the Bellawiyn land, waterways and skies, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We recognise the unique ability of Wadawurrung People to care for Country and the intrinsic spiritual, cultural, economic, social and environmental connections they share with the land and waters. We are committed to partnering with Wadawurrung to achieve effective management of Country through self-determination.
Bellarine Bayside is committed to providing respectful and inclusive workplace, valuing the unique contributions, skills and perspectives of each individual. We are committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.