The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is calling for community members to have their say on local boat ramps to help guide the future planning and management of these sites.
User feedback is being sought on three boat ramps along the Great Ocean Road:
- Fishermans Beach, Torquay
- Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, Point Roadknight
- Port of Lorne, Lorne.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Chief Executive Officer Richard Davies said gaining community feedback was an integral component for the long-term planning at these popular sites.
“To successfully manage these areas, we need to understand the current uses of boat ramps at Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne to help develop effective strategies for erosion mitigation, traffic control and pedestrian use.”
Concerns regarding the launching and retrieval of boats at popular family beaches have prompted Great Ocean Road Coast to undertake site observations during summer.
“Our primary focus is on public safety and this survey aims to highlight the various user groups and their interactions on the beach,” Mr Davies said.
On site consultation and observations will also be conducted over summer for additional information.
Maritime Safety Victoria Senior Project Officer Geoffrey Swanton said authorities are reminding beachgoers to be aware of people launching and retrieving boats from the ramps.
“There are several instances, especially on the west coast, where boat access ramps are installed to enable vessels to access a beach for launching and retrieval, which can result in conflict both in the water and on the beach.”
In Victoria, a person must not bathe within 50 metres of a boat ramp that is about or is being used for launching or retrieving vessels.
Have your say by completing the online survey located on our website by the 28 February 2017 at www.gorcc.com.au.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 