Community
29 January, 2025
Community concerned for lost view
A GROUP of Port Campbell residents has raised concerns surrounding council’s new decking project at the foreshore, with fears the design is impractical and hinders views of the bay.
Members of the Port Campbell Community Group Inc (PCCG) last week released a statement which slammed the design of the viewing platforms as blocking the iconic view of the bay – particularly for members of the community who use wheelchairs.
“The blocking of views by the timber balustrade cladding is completely unnecessary,” PCCG secretary Dr Marion Manifold said.
“There are other methods and materials which will ensure council’s required stability, safety and security.
“This area has always been a favourite point for tourists and locals to park in their cars and sit and enjoy the bay’s scenery.
“Now anyone in cars or walking along Lord Street or seated, especially wheelchair users and children, will have no view.”
Dr Manifold said issues with the design had consistently been raised at Community Reference Group meetings, but felt the feedback had been overlooked.
“The zig-zag tops of the viewing platform rails are not practical and will not allow viewers to put drinks on, or lean on the rail to enjoy the view,” she said.
“The beauty and value of the view far outweighs any council concerns about protection from south westerly winds.
“This area is largely protected from southerly winds by the deep shape of the bay and by the pines.
“The platforms and guard rails are an extremely poor design.”
Concerned local resident Anne Radford was among those to raise concerns, saying she likes to sit in the car on Lord Street and look at the sea, especially in winter.
She said she was concerned there would be very limited sea view places for cars if these get blocked out by the viewing platforms.
Corangamite Shire Council issued a response to public feedback, which acknowledged the presence of design issues.
Chief executive officer David Rae said council was grateful for community feedback, and confirmed council was considering minor modifications to the new Port Campbell foreshore deck safety rail.
“Council has received feedback that the timber balustrade limits the view for people in wheelchairs and children,” he said.
“Accessibility has been a key consideration in this project and we acknowledge there are design issues with the balustrade.
“The timber cladding was included in the original design to protect users from south westerly winds as well as providing structural stability, safety and security.
“The deck design was prepared with extensive community consultation including input from a design working group, public consultation and community reference group input.”
Mr Rae said the feedback had been raised since the construction began on the deck, but said council was committed to working with the community to find a design which could be agreed upon.
“In response to those concerns, the council team has met with key stakeholders and council has committed to review the deck balustrade,” he said.
“We are looking at minor modifications to the approved design that will allow viewers to see through some of the structure, while still meeting public safety requirements.”
The PCCG has also expressed concerns about the effect of extensive digging around the National Trust listed Norfolk Island Pines and has sent council photos showing apparent severed roots.
Dr Manifold said she felt the Community Reference Group concerns were not listened to in this aspect of the design and feared the design would go ahead regardless.
“This appeared to show little regard for community knowledge or concerns,” she said.
“Council previously noted the team has met with key stakeholders regarding widespread issues raised about the viewing platforms, but council has not met with the Community Reference Group and has not met with the Port Campbell Community Group regarding this issue.
“Minor modifications proposed by council are not enough. This was a stunning view to the bay and beach and it must be retained.
“We have requested that council stops the guard rails until it meets with the community and considers other guard rail materials and designs.”
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