Fishermans Beach car park upgrade

Project summary  

Fishermans Beach, known to many as Fishos, is a much-loved area for a range of activities.  

Home to the Torquay Angling Club, Torquay Marine Rescue Service and Salty Dog Café, the precinct provides boating and beach access.  

We’re upgrading the car park and surrounds to make it safer, easier to access, and more enjoyable.  

Construction of the first stage of works is being carried out from July to October 2024.  

First phase of works 

Key features of the first stage of works include:  

• Accessible car and boat trailer parking
  
  
• Safer pedestrian crossings
  
  
• A 2.5-metre-wide shared path, DDA compliant timber walkway to the beach 
  
  
• Designated bicycle parking
  
  

• Two outdoor showers

• A kayak drop-off area; and

• Two outdoor showers

Two elements of the design released in May 2023 have changed, following further consultation with local clubs.  

The proposed fish weighing station has been removed, as it is no longer required by the angling club. 

And the Torquay Outrigger Canoe Club will now store its outriggers adjacent to the Torquay Sailing Club yacht storage area. 

While the timber walkway to the beach has been retained, it is shorter than previously presented due to some coastal erosion.  

Construction impacts  

Changes to the way people use the precinct will be minimised wherever possible during construction.  

The boat ramp and the main car park will be closed for the duration of the works.  

Pedestrian routes will be in place to assist people to move around.  

Access will be retained to the Salty Dog Café and commercial fishing operators will not be impacted.  

What’s to come  

We are awaiting the result of grant applications – and pursuing other funding opportunities – to deliver the remaining features in the precinct plan.   

These elements are a fish cleaning table; second outdoor shower; and an all-abilities pedestrian bridge.  

Project engagement  

Designs for the project were refined via separate periods of community engagement - in September 2022 and May 2023.  

We received 102 online survey contributions – and had more than 100 attendees at face-to-face sessions - during the latter round of consultation.  

You can read an Engagement Report for the feedback we received during May 2023 here (provide link).  

Project funding  

The first stage works are being delivered via funding from Better Boating Victoria ($800,000) and the Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action ($650,000).  

The design stage of the project was funded by the Victorian Government.