Warrnambool council releases draft report on protection of coast

The draft Wild Coast Landscape Master Plan also calls for the landmark sites and tracks in the area to be renamed with traditional Aboriginal names and a raised platform constructed overlooking Levys Beach.

Calls for a new access track to the beach from the new Mervue Estate, and extending the walking track from Shelly Beach to Levys Point, were ruled out by the plan which is designed to guide future development in the area.

However, it does flag the possibility of a new track being opened up at the site of the current sand quarry if that was to every cease operation.

The plan details key recommendations such as improving existing beach access and signage, installing bollards at Spookys car park to prevent off-road vehicle access, sealing Levys car park, installing a viewing platform next to the existing walking track and realigning part of the rail trail.

As a way of stamping out four-wheel driving and motorbike usage in the area, there are moves to install CCTV cameras and calls to issues fines as a way of deterring others.

The call by some community members for new access tracks - including an extension of the Thunder Point track from Shelly Beach to Levys Beach - was ruled out because it would only benefit a small number of nearby residents, and it was too expensive to install.

"The area of land between Levys Beach and Shelly Beach where the proposed access tracks were requested have poor passive surveillance which does not promote pedestrian safety," the plan says.

The request from a community member pointed out that people were already creating their own shrub and sand tracks and it would be better to define it.

They also said extending the Thunder Point trail to Levys Point to link up with the rail trail would create a walking loop.

Others want to see a multi-use trail go even further and link Stingray Bay with Killarney.

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The report says the precinct was currently named with references to European history, events and people which provide no clues as to the cultural significance of this site to Eastern Maar and Gunditj Mirring people.

"There is no information letting visitors know that the precinct is of great importance to the traditional owners and has significant stories, ceremonial sites, sacred places, food gathering, cooking sites and intangible cultural heritage going beyond physical elements," the report says.

There was an opportunity to rename some of those places, it says.

The plan calls for the rail trail to be improved, potholes fixed and the section which deviates around the rendering plan through the sand dunes to be revegetated.

One resident said the area should be one of Warrnambool's premier destinations while another said it was covered in cultural heritage that was being damaged daily by uncontrolled anti-social behaviours. "It's a disgrace and disrespectful," they said.

Councillors voted last week to release the draft document for public feedback.

The area stretches from the western edge of the Warrnambool Golf Club to the western boundary of the Warrnambool municipality.

Mayor Vicki Jellie said it was a really popular and important area for many Warrnambool residents and visitors.

The report, funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and initiated by Warrnambool City Council, expands on the findings and recommendations of a number of other policies and strategies conducted in the area.

To have your say on the draft plan go to www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au before March 30.

There will be two drop-in sessions at the foreshore Pavilion on March 17 at 2-4pm and 5-7pm.

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