Community feedback shapes Marengo Access Ramp Replacement

Community feedback is helping shape the future of access to the coast in Mounts Bay with the release of the Engagement Summary for the Marengo Access Ramp Replacement Project. 

Situated at the southern end of Mounts Bay near Apollo Bay, the Marengo ramp is an important gateway to the area’s unique rock shelf, rock pools, and headland, and plays a key role as an informal link along the iconic Great Ocean Walk. 

With the existing ramp nearing the end of its functional life, the replacement project is focused on enhancing safety and resilience, improving accessibility for all users while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding natural landscape. 

This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainable coastal management and is guided by the Victorian Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ Guidelines under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018. 

Community engagement conducted in November and December 2024 included an online survey, and two in-person drop-in sessions at the Apollo Bay Community Market and the Marengo foreshore. Promotion through social media, stakeholder emails, and local flyers helped drive awareness and participation. 

The response was strong, with over 270 visits to the project web page, 40 online survey contributions, and more than 50 community members participating in face-to-face conversations. 

Key themes from community feedback included: 

Safety and Accessibility: Community members highlighted the need for improved access, especially for prams, wheelchairs, and kayaks. The current ramp’s alignment with a slippery rock shelf was a concern. In response, the new design features a fibre-reinforced non-slip surface, grab rails, and vertical balustrades—ensuring a safer and more inclusive experience for all users. 

Visual Integration: Participants expressed a strong desire for the ramp to blend with the coastal environment. Light grey was the most supported colour, helping the new structure integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Feedback on an access gate was mixed, and the decision to proceed without a gate strikes a balance between maintaining open access and ensuring user safety. 

Removal of Stairs: The existing stairs have been identified as a safety hazard due to frequent incidents on the slippery surface and will be removed. The new ramp design will guide users to a more stable, drier section of the rock shelf, offering a safer way to explore the coast. These changes reflect a commitment to public safety.   

Hazard Signage: Clear communication of hazards was strongly supported, with an emphasis on avoiding visual clutter. Future signage will be strategically placed and designed to meet Australian standards, ensuring visibility and clarity without detracting from the natural setting. 

Ramp Positioning: While some community members suggested reorienting the ramp directly to the beach, this area is highly vulnerable to erosion and tidal activity. Retaining the current location remains the most sustainable and resilient option, avoiding storm-prone zones and preserving environmental and cultural values. 

Thanks to community feedback, the new ramp will reflect local priorities while delivering a safer, more resilient, and environmentally sensitive access point.  

Work is expected to be completed by the beginning of the coming peak season.  

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Acting CEO Christine Ferguson 

“This project is a testament to how local voices can shape practical and resilient solutions - enhancing coastal access while respecting the natural beauty of Mounts Bay. 

We’re proud to deliver a design shaped by community input, grounded in our long-term commitment to sustainable coastal stewardship. 

“By listening closely to the community, we’ve developed a ramp design that improves safety, integrates with the landscape and will serve generations of visitors and locals into the future.”