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Submitted by: Michelle Roberts, 838 Princes Hwy, Tower Hill - 2/8/2008

McGennan’s Car Park used to be great sitting in the car watching the waves. Lots of people want it back with the views reinstated. As a Candidate, do you support its return (with views) and if so, what is the process required to get it back? Is it money, lack of support or something else?

 

Responses:

Lisa Owen

I couldn't agree with you more Michelle. The view from McGennan's carpark can easily be restored and the process has, I believe, already begun. I have been informed that the DSE is gradually replacing the high growing non-indigenous vegetation with low growing locally indigenous varieties. The process should be gradual as some species have made their homes in the bushes and will have nowhere to go if all the bushes are cut down at once. The DSE is changing this vegetation partly due to the perceived lack of safety along the board walk. So, over the next few years, hopefully the view will be restored. Thanks for taking the time to ask this question.

Authorised by Lisa Owen, 5 Kelp St, Warrnambool

Andrew Fawcett

I agree whole heartedly with your sentiments. Unfortunately the Department of Sustainability and Environment controls the foreshore and Council must get their permission for any work done there. I have had discussions, along with a visit to McGennan's Car Park, with our Director of Physical Services and one of our engineers and they agree that the view can be restored (in part) at a small cost. Maybe only about 12 parks would be initially restored with sea views.

I will be working to convince the new Council to instruct our officers to commence negotiations with the Department of Sustainability and Environment to bring about returning the once popular Lady Bay viewing area.

Authorised by Andrew Fawcett, 234 Lava St, Warrnambool

Michael Neoh

In response to the McGennans' Car Park question, I fully support a form of redevelopment of the foreshore area between the Surf Club and the Breakwater area.

Already development has commenced at the Breakwater, Surf Club, Viaduct Rd (rail trail path) and along the Promenade (replanting with low growing plants).

I will support an upgrade of the McGennan's Carpark precinct including new toilets and shower facilities as I indicated in one of my Photo Gallery pictures.

The way forward is for me to support the development of a Masterplan for the area which will allow feedback from stakeholders and the community.

Once Council has a Masterplan it is then able to present something tangible to the Department of Sustainability and Environment and potential funding bodies.

A Masterplan would provide a planned and collaborative approach rather than taking an ad hoc approach that would result in council working in isolation from key stakeholders and the community.

Authorised by Michael Neoh, 29 Banyan St, Warrnambool

John Harris

In response to Michelle's question, I support the idea of people being able to sit in their cars to watch the waves, beach and people enjoying themselves.

The issues could be cost as well as environmental given if the sand was removed this would allow the Southern winds to blow the sand away causing erossion of the dunes prior to re-growth of the foilage, so this needs to be considered.

But if I am elected I would certainly ask the question of what is needed to get it restored to what it was like previously and get back to the people who ask the question with an answer.

Authorised by John Harris, 9 Dennington Rise, Dennington

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