Beachgoers can wave hello to safer and easier access to beaches and coastal areas across Geelong and the Bellarine.
Five projects have received funding through the state government’s Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program to reduce risk and improve public access to the region’s beaches.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management received two $150,000 grants to replace beach access stairs at Ocean Grove’s Collendina and The Corner at Barwon Heads’ 13th Beach.
Chair Sandra Gatehouse said the staircases were more than 25 years old and suffered extensive damage from storm events and coastal erosion, with each project expected to take two months to complete.
“The new staircases have been designed to meet current safety standards and building codes, while also minimising environmental impact,” she said.
“Viewing platforms will be set back from the dune face, and pedestrian access will be better managed to protect coastal vegetation.
“These upgrades will improve safety, accessibility, and resilience to coastal processes, ensuring the structures can adapt to future climate-related changes.”
Bellarine Bayside received $71,905 for safety improvements at Northern Bellarine Coastal Reserve Beach and $49,028 for Portarlington’s Steeles Rock restoration.
“Funded works include beach and infrastructure remediation at the Steeles Rock boat ramp site, where storm damage has caused significant impacts to the area,” chair Melanie Rogers said.
“This support enables us to deliver comprehensive coastal planning and restoration projects that take a holistic approach to ensure safe, sustainable and inclusive beach access for everyone.”
Queenscliff’s Narrows ‘Dog’ Beach stairs will also be replaced following a $51,877 grant provided to Borough of Queenscliffe, with a target completion date of January 2026.
“The beach access stairs adjacent to the Dog Beach car park was one of several coastal assets that were significantly damaged in severe storms late last year,” a borough spokesperson said.
“The stairs have been closed and unusable since the storm event. The closure of these stairs has left a stretch of approximately 1.2km of highly visited coastline between the remaining safe access points.”
City of Greater Geelong will also renew the rock seawalls at St Helens Boat Harbour to provide ongoing coastal erosion protection through a $150,000 grant.
