Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management plan endorsed

Wyndham City has endorsed a five-year plan that maps out the future of one of Wyndham’s greatest natural assets – the coast.

The Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 has been developed to enhance the unique qualities of the Wyndham coastline for greater access and enjoyment and to facilitate appropriate coastal development and tourism.

Key highlights of the plan include:

•  Implementation of the K Road Cliffs Master Plan (with $1.5 million allocated towards this project in Wyndham City’s 2020/21 Proposed Annual Plan and Budget)

•  The development of a boardwalk and footbridge connecting the Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast communities

•  A summertime activation program at Werribee South Beach including lifeguarding, accessible beach matting and water sports equipment hire

•  Master planning at Campbells Cove to guide the development of a future shared path alignment and open space improvement works.

The plan also proposes the development of the Wyndham Bay Trial, which would create a shared cycling and pedestrian path between the Werribee River and Point Cook Coastal Park.

This ties in with the recently launched Wyndham Active Transport Strategy 2020, which is creating more ways for residents and visitors to travel by foot and bike.

Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder, Cr Heather Marcus, said the Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025 provides a unique opportunity for Council to actively plan and invest in future improvement works along our coastline.

“Less developed than other foreshore areas around Port Phillip Bay, the Wyndham coast is a hidden gem, yet to be discovered by many residents and visitors,” Cr Marcus said.

“Where public access and facilities are available, the coastline is well used, attracting thousands of visitors each year.”

“This plan aims to improve connectivity and access along the coastline and identifies a number of coastal tourism and land use development opportunities – such as cafes, water-based equipment hire and visitor amenities – that have the potential to attract more visitors to Wyndham.”

“It’s also about protecting what is unique – ensuring protection and recognition of the coast’s unique habitat, agricultural, historic, marine sanctuary, indigenous and volcanic landscape values.”

Urban Futures portfolio holder, Cr Intaj Khan, said the plan had been developed in consultation with the community over several years, and thanked residents for providing their valuable feedback.

“We asked residents and visitors what they love most about the coast, what they use most, and what they would like to see,” Cr Khan said.

“We received a lot of feedback, which has helped to shape this plan.”

“The management of Wyndham’s coastline is shared by Council and State and Federal departments, and this plan establishes an agreement between all stakeholders on how to improve and manage the Wyndham coastal and marine environment into the long-term future.”

“Once we have received Ministerial approval on this plan we will be able to hit the ground running on a number of projects, including the K Road Cliffs Master Plan Implementation, and planning and design of the missing bay trail links, which will be funded by developer contributions.”

“There is also Council funding allocated towards Werribee South Beach amenity improvements and seasonal beach activation planning.”  

“Implementation of the Plan will leave a lasting legacy for future generations to use and enjoy in terms of improved open space access, better community facilities and connectivity to the Port Phillip Bay Trail.”

The plan has now been referred to the State Environment Minister, The Honourable Lily D'Ambrosio, for Ministerial approval.