Hooded plover front and centre of major foreshore project

Published on 16 October 2023

Stage 2 of the Cape Bridgewater foreshore works are on track to be completed before the busy summer season, and for all the construction work going on, it’s an iconic bird that’s stealing the spotlight.

The work on Stage 2 involves upgrading car parks, installation of a footpath and boardwalk, seating, picnic tables and a barbecue and landscaping.

Council’s contractors, local firm GR Carr and Co, have been busy building all that out but have also had to be mindful of a valued local resident.

It is nesting time for the threatened hooded plover and the works are only progressing as agreed with local Birdlife Australia representatives, who have been exceedingly helpful with their guidance and in providing notification of this new nest.

While the works areas are off limits to the public, there is still access to the beach and there is plenty of signage up at each access to the beach to remind visitors to the beach not to disturb the plovers in or around the fenced area they are nesting in.

Following extensive consultation with Birdlife Australia on the placement and wording of the signs, it was also agreed to keep them out of the line of sight of those viewing from the road above.

Community consultation on the project saw a strong desire for views to be protected and for there not to be too many signs.

Further measures to protect wildlife will be implemented during Stage 2 works, including bollards at the entrance to the ramp in the middle car park – this will limit access to the historical use of emergency vehicles and horse access to the beach.

Works are progressing well with the finalisation of drainage works in, and preparation of, the bottom carpark (near the toilets) for resurfacing; installation of kerbing to the small section of the middle car park and further works being completed on the new timber boardwalk.

The works will comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to provide all abilities access to the foreshore, facilities and amenities.

Three DDA car parks have also been provided in the bottom car park, closest to the facilities, amenities and all abilities access to the beach, with one near the toilets and DDA access to the Surf Life Saving Club.

The various parts of the foreshore will undergo substantial makeovers during Stage 2.

On the western side of the Surf Life Saving Club the footpath begins from the bottom of the stairs (connecting with the Great South West Walk) and after the boardwalk to the top car park, while there will be a barbecue shelter and picnic tables.

There will also be sandstone blocks barring vehicle access to the barbecue and picnic table area.

Following consultation with Birdlife Australia, the barbecue was moved to between the large pine tree and the Surf Life Saving Club and set back from the beach.

The bottom car park is being resealed and kerbed and near the entrance to the ramp the footpath will change to a timber boardwalk, using karri, a hardwood timber from Western Australia.

This timber was also chosen because it met environmental requirements.

Further east, three picnic tables will be placed between the middle car park and the kiosk, while the middle car park is also being sealed and kerbed, with the state of the car parks being a major concern raised in community consultation.

All timber furniture along the foreshore has been chosen for its look and feel to fit in with its surroundings, while the landscaping between the footpath/boardwalk and revetment will be low growing endemic native plants.

No existing trees or native flora are being removed during the works.

Defined pedestrian linkages between the footpath/boardwalk and ramps also seek to deter foot traffic in the dunes to reduce erosion and the destruction of natural vegetation and spreading of weeds.

Glenelg Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jayden Smith said the foreshore works were anticipated to be completed by the start of the busy summer season, and the public could play its part in helping.

“The scope of the works means unfortunately that construction is impacting the availability of parking in the middle and bottom car parks and access to the main toilet block near the Portland Surf Life Saving Club building,” he said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and are making every effort to restore access as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, Council reminds the public that the area is a construction site and to please respect barriers, signs and any other instructions they may come across.

“The completion of the Stage 2 works will complement both the Stage 1 work already done and future works planned for the site.

“This is a major step in implementing the Bridgewater Bay Masterplan for the benefit of the local community as well as the many visitors to this iconic part of our Shire.”

Following the completion of Stage 2, Stage 3 will see the replacement of the main toilet block.

To view the designs for the Stage 2 works, or to ask any questions of Council’s Project Team, please visit yoursay.glenelg.vic.gov.au/cape-bridgewater-master-plan.

The Cape Bridgewater Master Plan Infrastructure Upgrade works are funded by the Victorian Government.