'Community Concepts' - DCSCA submission 12

This is the twelfth submission by the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) to the City of Greater Geelong's 'Community Concepts' programme.

For background on the programme, and earlier DCSCA submissions see "'Community Concepts' - making the process transparent" on this blog (22 January).

Scoping Study - A Fishing and Recreational Jetty at Clifton Springs.

Council should establish a 'scoping study' to investigate the construction of a Jetty at the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour. The study group should be led by the council or an outside appointed expert with support from council officers. The study group should include representatives from State government, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Geelong Otway Tourism, local community groups and relevant sporting groups (e.g. boating, fishing).
 

The Scoping Study group should investigate the need for a jetty, the different usages to which it could be put, the likely level of usage, the advantages to local communities and the benefits to the local economy.

 

The scoping study group should gather facts, consider practical issues (access, parking, safety, boating access, etc.), determine appropriate design, consider aesthetic considerations (views, artscape feature, etc.), determine costs and make recommendations. If appropriate, the study group could also source funding and progress the project to completion.

Clifton Springs has no jetty, just the remains of 3 former ones. Thus, residents and tourists have no convenient location at which to participate in recreational fishing. This puts Clifton Springs at a disadvantage compared to other nearby communities such as Portarlington, St. Leonards, Queenscliff, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.

The proposal is to construct a Jetty adjacent to the car park at the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour, complementing existing activity there and requiring no extra infrastructure. The proposed jetty would protrude out into the Bay in a northerly direction; its design would depend on the study group's recommendation.

Objectives of the project 

• To provide a platform for recreational fishing
• To provide a promenade jetty where visitors may enjoy the spectacular views of the Clifton Springs foreshore
• To provide a “Streetscape to Artscape” feature, adding to the tourism attraction of the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour
• To improve community health and wellbeing by encouraging people to visit the Clifton Springs beach and foreshore for passive recreation
• To increase the tourism attraction of the Bellarine and hence grow the local economy and increase local employment opportunities
• To encourage community participation in a non-polluting, carbon neutral, sustainable activity
• To sustain and enhance the natural environment.

DCSCA also intends to apply for a grant from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria. Applications accepted until 28/2/2014.

DCSCA has been actively involved in Clifton Springs foreshore maintenance and has conducted community planting days. DCSCA has volunteer insurance and members would be happy to assist in any way.

Street address and suburb: Clifton Springs Boat Harbour

Council ward: Coryule

Estimate of total project cost: $50,000