Project Update
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.
Project Background
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.
Site Plan
The site plan is being developed based on three core design factors:
- Environmentally sustainable design,
- Universal design.
- The Siting and Design Guidelines for Structures on the Victorian Coast
And with the following design objectives:
- Protect and enhance cultural and environmental values.
- Improve the safety and connectivity of parking and trails.
- Enhance visitor facilities.
- Maintain the coastal character.
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.
Indicative Timeline
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21 January – 11 February 2023Phase 1 public consultation inviting community and key stakeholders to provide feedback on current use of the area. -
March – September 2023Review feedback received during Phase 1 public consultation.
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September 2023 – May 2024Develop a draft site plan with a landscape architect. -
April 2024Release a ‘What We Heard’ summary of Phase 1 public consultation
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May – June 2024Phase 2 public consultation to release the Draft St Leonards Foreshore Site Plan and invite final comments.
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July – September 2024Review information gathered during Phase 2 public consultation and finalise a design.
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October 2024Seek approval from Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management for the final site plan prior to public release.
Get Involved
Consultation is currently closed.
Please refer to the timeline for future consultation opportunities.
