Point Impossible to Jan Juc Master Plan

Our community considers climate change a key challenge, with sea-level rise and beach and cliff erosion being major concerns. They would like to address climate change by improving and increasing natural assets (dune systems and shade provided by trees) and implementing monitoring to manage and adapt to erosion and inundation.

The impacts of climate change, including shoreline recession, erosion and water security are recognised as one of our key challenges to managing the coastal and marine environment.

For example, if a section of the Surf Coast Walk is at risk from shoreline recession and cliff instability, do we decommission an important built asset which facilitates coastal enjoyment and stewardship, or realign it within an area of natural dune ecosystem?

We are committed to planning for, and responding to, climate change over the short, medium and long term by allowing natural processes such as erosion and shoreline recession to continue within natural areas including Whites Beach and Jan Juc; minimising built infrastructure within areas vulnerable to climate change such as cliff edges, dunes and waterways; establishing shade trees to create habitable landscapes; and ensuring existing facilities are upgraded using relevant climate change data and modelling and incorporating best practice sustainable design.

Our community enjoys accessing long stretches of undeveloped beach that are less populated than in other coastal areas. They have concerns that an increase in development such as car parking will encourage more people, with some suggesting limiting parking and implementing population controls to manage increased visitation. Our community would also like us to proactively manage anti-social behaviour associated with littering, dogs and use of the Nudist Beach.

Visitation to the Great Ocean Road region is forecast to reach 8.6 million visitors by 2026-27. The population of our region (Surf Coast) is currently over 315,000 and is projected to increase to 500,000 by 2050. As resident and visitor numbers increase and diversify, so too does the way we use our coast.

As a Crown land manager, we must strike a balance between maintaining healthy and functioning ecosystems with the economic and social benefits of coastal use and development. Our highest priority is protecting and enhancing our natural environment and cultural heritage. Any opportunities for quality visitor and tourist development must balance safety, future use and the long-term health and values of the coast.

While we are unable to influence the number and diversification of marine and coastal users, we are committed to understanding current and future demands to proactively manage conflict. We will continue to facilitate equitable access to, and enjoyment of, our coast by focusing new infrastructure and facilities within modified areas and managing natural areas for biodiversity; monitoring the use of facilities and infrastructure to make informed decisions on when and how to upgrade; providing additional services and facilities for Life Saving Victoria; and encouraging our community to reduce their reliance on cars rather than expanding parking areas.

Our community conveyed the need for infrastructure to keep pace with demand, including showers and toilets at all major beaches. Better all abilities access to and around the foreshore, maintenance and watering of grassed areas, and signage to increase education and compliance were all commonly requested.

Our ageing-built infrastructure, established during a time without consideration of climate change, is now under growing pressure as our population and visitation increases. The impacts of climate change, such as major storm events, mean significant long-term funding is required to maintain our existing built infrastructure. Existing and new assets must be maintained, upgraded and replaced over time. A key challenge for all Crown land managers is determining who should pay for this ongoing work and how.

Considering this key challenge, we are committed to enabling people with different mobilities to access and use our coast; redeveloping our playgrounds with natural materials, integrated artwork and nature-based play to educate future generations and develop stewardship; and monitoring low-use assets such as lookouts and amenity blocks to either decommission, relocate or maintain and upgrade.