Goolwa Beach car park and its surrounds are set to undergo significant upgrades following the announcement of almost $1M in state government grant funding to progress the project. 

Alexandrina Council has secured funding of $995,000 through the Open Space and Places for People grant, which will complement its own budget contribution of $1.045M in the 2021/22 financial year.

Council says the beach car park and access ramps are extremely busy areas, particularly on weekends and holidays, even more so since construction of the Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club in 2019 and the recent upgrade of the Kuti Shack café. 

Following significant community and stakeholder consultation, a Master Plan was endorsed in 2017, aiming to guide the future development and sustainable management of the Goolwa Beach car park and surrounding area. 

As well as the broader community and visitors, many specific groups make use of this important part of the coastal environment. 

The Master Plan balances the many social, cultural, environmental and economic considerations to ensure sustainable development and a safe and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike. 

This project aligns with the aims of the state government’s Open Space and Places grant by: improving accessibility and safety; promoting greening and climate change resilience; improving open space and neighbourhood connectivity; and revitalising public spaces that contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of the community. 

Works are proposed to expand the car park by 40 spaces (and a further 25 on Beach Road); improve pedestrian and cycle access between the beach and Encounter Bikeway via a shared path with safe road crossing points; and improve access to the beach via the 4WD track, emergency vehicle access track at the south-west corner of the car park, and a disability beach access ramp. 

A beachside promenade between the carpark and the foreshore dunes 

will include new, contemporary public infrastructure including seating, shelters, showers, public art and an elevated viewing deck. 

Through the Master Plan, the council made a commitment to ensure ‘no net losses’ of native vegetation on the sensitive dune system surrounding the car park, and will implement recommendations in the vegetation assessment, and work collaboratively with local conservation and volunteer groups to protect and enhance the habitat. 

Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes has warmly welcomed the funding to progress the Master Plan. 

“Goolwa Beach is part of life for the people that call Goolwa and Alexandrina home. It is a place that our visitors love to explore and puts us on the map as a must-see regional destination. 

“We are most grateful to the state government for this funding, which combined with Council’s contribution will make the area safer, more accessible and ties in with creative and practical design elements. 

These are upgrades that will service the precinct for many years as the region grows.” 

The council will start the design and procurement stages in the coming months, with the on-ground works expected to be completed by late 2022. 

Further information will be available on the Alexandrina Council website as the project progresses.