Torquay Tree Replacement
Project background
In July 2022, works commenced on a significant revegetation project along the Torquay foreshore.
The project will maintain and enhance the natural foreshore area by replacing aged and unsafe trees with advanced replacement trees and include an additional 2,500 plants.
The first stage of the program will focus on the Torquay Foreshore area between Bell Street and Zeally Bay Road. Additional planting is planned across the Torquay Foreshore from Spring Creek to Whites Beach over following years.
The works have been carefully designed by an ecologist, landscape architect and arborist and consider factors including safety, habitat value, wind loading, landscape amenity, provision of shade and maintaining views along The Esplanade.
Community benefits from the project include greater safety, shade and wind shelter, increasing cultural values and supporting local business by activating outdoor spaces close to shops, restaurants and cafes.
The project will also improve habitat for native wildlife by including a mix of endemic and native grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and feature trees.
The plan includes some additional garden beds and revegetation sites as well as the maintenance of other open lawn spaces and overflow parking areas. The end result will maximise both amenity and biodiversity outcomes for the Torquay Foreshore area.
Works are supported by our Draft Point Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan 2020-25, which has identified several actions for planting along foreshore areas. The Tree Replacement Project translates these objectives into a practical planting program over several years.
The project is funded by Surf Coast Shire Council, courtesy of a grant from the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund 2021. This fund is available to councils for landscaping and other minor works to develop outdoor precincts that support the local economy and traders.
What engagement has been done to date
The Draft Point Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan 2020-25 was developed by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee and inherited by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority in 2020.
The draft masterplan was informed by community and stakeholder engagement conducted over 2019 and 2020. The engagement identified several themes of importance to the community that should be reflected in the masterplan.
What we heard
Community and stakeholder consultation on the initial issues and opportunities identified five priorities:
- Protect environmental values
- Address the pressures of development, population and visitation growth
- Address conflicts in beach use and access
- Manage and adapt to risks of climate change, including erosion and inundation
- Improve circulation path networks, and all abilities access, to and around the foreshore.
The Authority has consulted and worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on the project, as well as informing neighbouring residents and businesses.
Maps
To view the detailed landscape plan maps, please click below.
Further information
If you have further comments or questions about the project, please speak with our team at info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au or call 1300 736 533.