Surfers ‘defeat’ ramp

KIM WATERS
POINT Lonsdale surfers have triumphed over council plans for a “horrible” access ramp on their back beach, according to a spokesperson.
Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club president Ross Bird said he presented a 120-signature petition against constructing the ramp without community consultation to Borough of Queenscliff this week.
Mr Bird said he raised concerns with council’s engineer about the design of the $135,000 structure at Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s beach patrol station.
The design threatened “potential safety problems”, he said.
“They (council) have asked a coastal engineer to amend the original plans and look at moving the ramp closer to the dunes by four or five metres, which sounds positive to us,” he said.
“We’ll reserve our judgement until we see the final plans. We look forward to that.”
Mr Bird said council officers had not explained the absence of community consultation over the initial design.
“They’ve listened to us and will keep us in the loop from now on, so that’s all good.”
Residents vented their frustration on the on-line petition, describing the ramp design as “revolting” and “dumb”.
A comment posted under the name Willo Wilson said he could “not believe” council failed to seek community advice.
“Did they ever think to ask the people who use the beach or do they really think they understand the various user groups. Get them off their ergo chairs, out of their air-conditioned offices and speak to us plebs.”
Debra Heyes pleaded with council “please do not do this”.
“The beach will lose its wildness. It will look hideous, as there has been no consideration given to the natural surroundings and no community consultation.”
A council spokesperson said the borough’s chief executive officer and engineer had addressed “a number of concerns” with the club.
The borough would finalise a new design this week, the spokesperson said.
“The primary concerns have been addressed and we will be getting back to them to keep them up to date.
“They (objectors) now have a better understanding of the engineering considerations that need to be taken into account.”