This is Wadawurrung Country - We work closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to conserve and protect Cultural values along the Torquay coast.
Planning together for the future of the mixed-use site at Fishermans Beach
We are working with the community to shape the future of the mixed-use site on top of the Torquay Angling Club at Fishermans Beach.
Part of this site has been licensed to a commercial food and beverage operator for the past seven years under a trial arrangement, while still allowing for community access to the beach viewing platform entering off The Esplanade, looking over the magnificent Fishermans beach.
Community engagement for this project is now closed.
Thankyou to everyone who submitted a survey response or attended one of the community drop-in sessions. Your feedback will be integrated into the final site design.
Concept design plans for the multi-use site will be shared on this webpage when final.
What We Heard: Final Engagement Snapshot Report
In 2024, we conducted two stages of community and stakeholder engagement on the mixed-use site.
- Stage One, August 2024: We connected with the community to better understand community sentiment on the trial commercial operation and to help inform a Draft Concept Design for future use of the site.
- Stage Two, October 2024: We gathered information on community satisfaction with the Draft Design.
Our commitment to evidence-based decision-making means that we always consider community feedback alongside Traditional Owner values and knowledge, environmental outcomes, social outcomes, funding requirements and current policies and legislation governing coastal Crown land.
The Final Engagement Snapshot Report below gives an overview of all engagement findings. A Stage One and Stage Two Snapshot Report can also be accessed below.
Draft Concept Design for the future of the multi-use site
But what will it look like? Here is an artist's impression of the Draft Concept Design.
The new design prioritises the viewing platform and multi-use area, emphasising its nature as a public space. A commercial food and beverage offering is also catered for as part of the design.
Key improvements include unrestricted access, removal of structures that impede views and openness, replacement of temporary elements with permanent, complementary built elements, and increased weather protection. These changes aim to create a more inclusive, multi-purpose outdoor space that encourages broader community participation and usage.
Notable alterations to the existing design include reorganising built elements along one side of the platform, repositioning the bar infrastructure, removing unnecessary barriers and platforms, and providing concealed storage for items like bins, kegs and additional furniture.
The redesign focuses on clarifying the space's public nature, improving its appearance and amenity, and creating a more welcoming environment that complements the coastal lifestyle.
What We Heard in August: Community Values and Use of the Site
During August 2024 we engaged with the community to better understand how people use and value the multi-use site at Fishermans Beach. This was Stage 1 of Community Engagement for this project. Thank you to everyone who shared their views and ideas with us or came along to one of the community drop-in sessions. The Engagement Snapshot below shares information on what we heard.
Community drop-in sessions held during Stage 1 of Community Engagement
What We Heard in October: Community Satisfaction with The Draft Design
In October 2024 we asked the community for their feedback on the Design. This was Stage 2 of Community Engagement for this project. Thank you to everyone who filled out the online survey or came along to one of the community drop-in sessions. The Engagement Snapshot below shares information on what we heard.
Community Survey Now Closed
You can click through to view questions asked in Stage 2 Community Engagement
Mixed-use Site Map
Our approved Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 supports a commercial food and beverage operation at this site, as well as public use.
This engagement will help us work alongside the community to understand how to best provide both these uses on site in the future.
We are committed to best practice coastal and marine management, in accordance with current legislation and policy.
We undertook community engagement on the Fishermans Beach Carpark Upgrade Project last year and in 2022, which informed finalised plans for the carpark.
Construction works for the carpark are expected to be completed in November 2024.
Please see the project webpage for more information on this project.