FUTURE DIRECTIONS PLAN

CLIFTON SPRINGS BOAT HARBOUR

Why the need for a Future Directions Plan

Clifton Springs Boat Harbour is managed by City of Greater Geelong. Boating in Port Phillip Bay is managed by Parks Victoria and DEPI and their approval is required for works associated with the harbour.

Discussionsin relation to the Clifton Springs Boat Harbourwith a number of stakeholders has identified issues around capacity, safety, access, amenity and water quality, as a result Council is preparing afuture directions plan.

Managing increasing demand

Development on the Bellarine Peninsula is placing increasing pressure on boat ramps, parking, open space and beach use.. Options to increase capacity at Clifton Springs include:

  • Upgrade and expand boat launching facilities.
  • Expand boat trailer parking and public open space
  • Establish additional amenity and beach area.

Improved boating access

Naturally occurring shallow water and seasonal sand drift results in the harbourneeding to be dredged annually to maintain safe passage at low tide. The use of a suction dredge is both expensive and potentially environmentally invasive, the use of an excavator is more efficient however access is limited.

Options to improve sustainability and improve the efficiency of dredging include:

  • Constructing a causeway along the east side of the small boat ramp enabling excavator access to clear sediment from the boating channels and harbour entry.
  • Reusing excavated sediment on site as part of land reclamation works rather than dumping in the bay or moving it offsite.
  • Longer term - establishment of a temporary onsite storage area for dredged sediment prior to removal.

Improved amenity and infrastructure

Existing informal unsealed car parks havepoor drainage and stormwater runoff contributes degrade water quality in the harbour. The existing sandbag seawall and groyneswill require significant maintenance to extend their effective lifespan. Completion of these essential works will present options to improve performance of existing facilities and public access at the boat harbour including:

  • Incorporation of best practice stormwater treatment to upgradedcar parks to improve water quality in the harbour.
  • Rebuild the existing western sand bag groyne in rock and establish an all ability fishing platform at the end.
  • Land reclamation ofthe eastern harbourwhich will cover and protect the existing sandbag seawall
  • Improve the beach area along the existing sandbag seawall as well asthe network of walking paths.

Stage 1 – Refer Attached Draft Functional Design Plan

Stage 1 works have already been funded by Council and the State government Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Council aims to commence works in 2015 subject to DEPI and PV works approval.

  1. Install two new concrete boat ramps. Retain and upgrade the existing small boat ramp for smaller watercraft. Refer photo B.
  2. Establish a new 35m long causeway to assist boat launching/retrieval and removesediment build up from the end of new boat ramps.
  3. Level, resurface and expand the boat trailer overflow parking area and stormwater treatment measures to reduce sedimententering the harbour.

Stage 2

  1. Extend the causeway to the harbour entrance, enablingmaintenance dredging of the boating channels and entrance. Place sediment excavated from the boating channels behind the new causeway to reclaimlandat this eastern section of the harbour. Ensure containment and progressive capping of all excavated material to protect water quality.
  2. Construct a new western beach groynewith rock and establish an all ability fishing platform on top. Refer photo A.

Stage 3

  1. Complete the final phase of land reclamation in the eastern section of the harbour to establish additional boat trailer parking area and a dedicated sediment dewatering area.
  2. Renourish eastern beach with sand to protect the existing sandbag groynes and to expand available recreational beach space at the harbour precinct. Refer photo C.
  3. Establish an eastern harbour walking circuit walk connected to the existing picnic area with additional seating and BBQ facilities.
  4. Establish a roundabout to assist traffic circulation and to slow traffic speeds on entry to the boat harbour precinct.

Have your say:

Council is seeking community and stakeholder feedback on the proposed design approach and staging to inform this process. A copy of the plan and questionnaire can be found at or forwarded to you by the Drysdale Customer Service Centre Ph. 5272 5272.

Comments and feedback and/or completed questionnaires should be received by

Friday 15 February 2015

via email to or

via or

via post to: City of Greater Geelong Environment and Waste Services Dept

PO Box 104 Geelong VIC 3220

Following review of comments received a report and plan will be presented to Council for consideration. We look forward to your feedback.