We've found a mistake in the location of the signs on the beach at Pt Impossible and need to realign the signs to the legally declared clothing optional area.
Project Overview
The Pt Impossible clothing optional beach area has been in place since 1983.
We've found a mistake in the location of the signs on the beach and need to realign the signs to the legally declared clothing optional area.
The Pt Impossible clothing optional beach will continue to be a clothing optional beach.
We are working with Traditional Owners and the Australian Naturist Federation collaboratively to ensure the signs are realigned to the correct area. This will not impact cultural and environmental values and the visitor experience.
Signs and associated maps will be updated in the area in late January 2024.
Following a public enquiry querying the accuracy of maps showing the legally gazetted clothing optional bathing area at Pt Impossible it was discovered that there was a mistake between the maps and signage on the ground.
An investigation confirmed that both the location and the extent of the clothing optional area at Pt Impossible was incorrect.
We will replace and realign the signage and correct all maps to ensure the right information is shared publicly.
The area was declared on 30 November 1983 through publication in the State Government Gazette, then amended on the 12 December 1984 under the Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act.
The declaration of Pt Impossible Beach as a clothing optional area provides protection against all Victorian State Legislation which in any way prohibits nudity in a public place. It is important that when using the clothing optional beach that people stay within the prescribed area. Pt Impossible optional dress beach is one of only three areas in Victoria where public nudity is allowed and is therefore very important to the Naturist Community.
Signs have been installed further south than the legally prescribed area. The total extent of the optional dress bathing area is gazetted as 1000m however the current extent shown by the signs is currently over 1300m.
We are required to realign the signs to the legally declared optional dress area.
The incorrect signs have been in place for at least 20 years and were installed before modern GPS technology was widely available to accurately determine the correct location for the signs.
We’ve recently confirmed where the signs need to go. The sign on the south-west end will need to move approximately 500m northeast and the sign on the northeast end will need to move approximately 200m northeast (towards Thompsons Creek).
Pt Impossible beach will remain as clothing optional in accordance with the 12th December 1984 gazetted area. This current beach sign project is consistent with the Pt Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan Action Item 6 Plan 1 with the exception of the potential adjusted area shown on the Plan 1 map (as this doesn’t align with the legally gazetted area).
It is intended that the realignment of the current beach signs to comply with the original gazetted area will update and replace the clothing optional beach boundaries proposed in the Pt Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan Action Item 6 Plan 1.
Signage realignment
We've created a map to show the current clothing optional beach signage, the gazetted indicative optional dress area and where the new signage will be located.
The new signs will align with the legally gazetted area which starts approximately 700m south-west of the indicative Pt Impossible reference point, as provided in the original mapping.
Have Your Say
This survey is now closed.
We value your feedback. Together, we can ensure all users are considered and signage shares information in a way that promotes use and care of our coastal environment.
Please click on the Have Your Say link below to complete the survey before 14 January 2024.
