Upgrade to get underway at Fishermans Beach car park

Published on 28 June 2024

Construction will begin next week on the upgrade to the Fishermans Beach car park and surrounds.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has appointed Quantum Civil to deliver the works in the much-loved Torquay precinct, which is known as Fishos.

The $1.45 million initiative is supported by Better Boating Victoria ($800,000) and the Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action ($650,000).

It focuses on providing resurfaced car parking, path improvements, safety upgrades and accessibility improvements.

Key features of this phase 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

- A kayak drop-off area; and

- Two outdoor showers.

Two elements of the design have changed, following further consultation with local interest groups.

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.

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

While the boat ramp and the main car park will be closed until the end of October, pedestrian routes will be in place to assist people to move around the site.

Access to the Salty Dog Café will be retained and commercial fishing operators will continue to have beach ramp access.

The contractor will work closely with emergency services to ensure critical emergency response is not impacted.

Users can find details on available boat ramps via www.boating.vic.gov.au/ramps

For more information on the project, please visit https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Projects/Fishermans-Beach-car-park-upgrade

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Acting Director Infrastructure and Planning Katie Hart

“Fishos is a popular and much-loved area for a wide range of pursuits.

“These works are about making Fishos safer, easier to access, and more enjoyable for all visitors.

“The project will improve the way people and vehicles move in and around the precinct and enhance the environment that supports all this activity.

“We’re committed to pursuing all available funding avenues to deliver the overall vision for the Fishos precinct.”