'Community Concepts' - DCSCA submission 5

This is the fifth 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).

Improved Access to the Clifton Springs Foreshore, especially at the Dell and Beacon Point, enabling the creation of a “Foreshore Walk”.

The City of Greater Geelong is currently undertaking engineering action to combat erosion and land slippage along the Clifton Springs Foreshore. DCSCA considers this action imperative and seeks to ensure that it continue until a safe and stabilized foreshore is achieved that is accessible to the community (including the mobility challenged). Particular attention should be paid to providing safe access at the Dell and at Beacon Point – locations where access is difficult, steep and hazardous.

 

The Dell access should be improved via a path that is constructed to enable easier pedestrian access. Ideally this can be achieved by provision of a new pathway with a gentler slope. Alternatively the existing walkway could be re-aligned in a 'switchback' type or arrangement that would reduce the current dangerously steep incline. Similarly, a new access position from Beacon Point should also be constructed to provide an easy and safe walkway. Easy access and signage should encourage residents and visitors to walk along the Clifton Springs foreshore, to walk to the nearby Jack Rabbit restaurant and winery, and to take the 2-hour scenic foreshore walk to Portarlington.

Objectives of the project

• To ensure the residents of Clifton Springs have a safe environment.
• To enable the entire length of the Clifton Springs beach and foreshore to be easily accessible and available to the community for passive recreation, this will improve community health and wellbeing, and hence reduce obesity within the community and reduce the cost burden on the health system.
• To create a Clifton Springs “Foreshore Walk”.
• To facilitate a Clifton Springs to Portarlington “Foreshore Walk”.
• To increase social activity by promoting healthy lifestyles and by encouraging active recreation and an engaged community.
• To increase the tourism attraction of the Bellarine and hence grow the local economy and increase local employment opportunities.
• To encourage the community participation in non-polluting, carbon-neutral, sustainable activity.
• To sustain and enhance the natural environment.

DCSCA has been actively involved in revegetation at the Dell 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

Council ward: Coryule

Estimate of total project cost: $30,000.