Point Grey Ramp Set for a Transformative Upgrade

Published on 21 December 2023

LorneRamp-1.jpg

We’re delighted to share the What We Heard Report for the Point Grey Ramp Upgrade Project, marking a significant step towards delivering the ramp upgrade in Lorne. 

The ramp, situated opposite the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club and a hub for ocean swimmers and events such as the Pier to Pub, has faithfully served its purpose for 40-50 years but has now reached the end of its life.

In late 2023, we undertook interim maintenance works to ensure the safety of the ramp during the bustling summer period. Now, armed with valuable insights from the community, we are actively progressing plans for a permanent upgrade to the Point Grey ramp.

From 11 October 2023 to 10 November 2023, we invited the community and visitors to share their thoughts and ideas to develop a new ramp design. We received a great response from the community, with 16 individuals providing feedback through the online survey on the Have Your say web page.

We also received one email submission, while an impressive 164 people visited the Have Your Say page. In our commitment to inclusivity, we engaged with seven local stakeholder groups to gather insights into the existing ramp condition, usage patterns, and future plans.

You told us that you value:

  • Safe access to the water and the ability to assess water conditions before embarking on their aquatic activities.
  • The convenience the ramp offers for ocean swimming.
  • The ramp's role as a meeting point for friends to gather and swim together.

In response to our query about desired features in the new ramp design, we heard consistent aspirations across the feedback to:

  • Include handrails extending to the waterline.
  • Widen of the ramp to accommodate major swimming events.
  • Enhance safety features in the new design.
  • Provide for launching unpowered watercraft like canoes or kayaks.
  • Provide a comfortable walking surface.

When asked about the preferred structure type, seven respondents favoured a ramp similar to the existing structure, while four suggested a combination of ramp and stairs or just stairs with a handrail.

Next Steps

A new ramp is currently being designed based on this feedback, and we look forward to releasing the upgraded ramp concept design to the community in early 2024.

Buoyed by the community's valuable input, the design phase for the new ramp is now in progress. We eagerly anticipate unveiling the upgraded ramp concept design in early 2024, providing another opportunity for the community to share comments and feedback.

For further inquiries or questions about the Point Grey Ramp Upgrade, we invite you to visit our Have Your Say web page or contact the project team at haveyoursay@GreatOceanRoadAuthority.vic.gov.au