Call for improved access to Beach One

THE NEED for improved access to Beach One in Venus Bay’s First Estate is a concern to resident Keith Tindall who said it is time for action to ensure the safety of community members and visitors.

He argues the unsealed gravel ramp presents a tripping hazard for the elderly and others with mobility challenges due to its indentations, hollows and crevices despite each of those issues being minor in nature.

Keith said the danger is increased by the lack of handrails.

“It is daunting for the aged, of whom I am one,” he said, adding the ramp is also a challenge for pregnant women, infants and those with disabilities.

Keith has almost tripped more than once, expressing concern that a fall would likely result in him suffering anything from bruises and scratches to broken bones.

“As a consequence, I need an able-bodied person with me to lend a shoulder each time I go to the beach,” 
he said.

Keith questioned whether the ramp meets the requirements of the local surf life saving club and its need for beach access for its personnel, vehicles and equipment.

Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club president Kimberley Gee outlined the club’s point of view.

“We’ve always thought it would be good to have a separate pedestrian access point, but that would be something Parks Victoria would have to approve, and I know they have concerns around the area with erosion,” she said. 

Kimberley explained the ramp needs to be cleared of pedestrians for the club to move its equipment onto and off the beach.

While members of the public are generally patient and cooperative, there are some challenges.

“In an emergency situation, trying to get access to the beach quickly can sometimes be difficult,” Kimberley said.

However, she conceded that even with a separate entry point to the beach some people will still use the ramp.

Kimberley noted Parks Victoria rakes the ramp and clears the sand build up ahead of the summer period to ensure it is in the best condition possible.

Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Gerard Delaney outlined the challenging nature of the area in which Beach One is located.

“The sand dunes along Venus Bay are extremely dynamic; natural processes such as winds, waves and tides move sand and sediments, leading to a constant and sometimes rapid reshaping of the coastline,” Gerard said.

“The gravel ramp to Beach One, which is built on these sensitive sand dunes, is monitored regularly by Parks Victoria to ensure ongoing and safe access for visitors and approved vehicles, such as those used by life savers from the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

“Overnight we can see an extensive build-up or loss of sand over the ramp; this continual erosion creates a challenge for constructing any built structures on the beach, which could become a possible hazard to visitors.”

As well as routinely inspecting the Beach One access ramp, Parks Victoria indicated its rangers use a skid steer or Bobcat to restore access quickly and safely.

Parks Victoria states that it works with the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club, ensuring there is a marshalling system to safely get vehicles onto the beach.

While Keith acknowledged the current streetscape works occurring in the town’s First Estate, including improved guttering, footpaths and parking bays, he said the focus of Venus Bay, particularly in holiday periods, is the beach, adding that it is packed during summer.

Keith is calling for a sealed ramp with railing.

He noted the potential dire consequences of a fall for the individual concerned, raising the prospect of resultant legal action.