Alexandrina Council has released details of upgrades to its Goolwa Beach car park masterplan.

The original masterplan to improve the main Goolwa Beach entrance and car parking space was endorsed by the council in 2017.

The project has since been awarded $995,000 funding from the state government’s Open Space and Places Grant in late 2021, complementing the council’s contribution of $1.045M. 

Improvements to the original design include a new walkway over the dune, increased space for the foreshore plaza and improved traffic flow with a dedicated slip lane for 4WD vehicles accessing the beach with parallel parking along Beach Road.

There will also be improved pedestrian and cyclist access with the shared use path and additional inclusive seating opportunities for a diverse range of abilities and user groups. 

Additional tree and revegetation plantings will be included in the improved masterplan. 

The council says it is working collaboratively with local conservation and volunteer groups to protect and enhance the habitat by choosing the correct trees that will thrive in this environment. 

Traffic management will be significantly improved with the dedicated slip lane for beach access. 

This will reduce the congestion of cars lining up at the entrance of the car park and will improve traffic flow. There will be no loss of parking spaces. 

“This masterplan is a very exciting step in the development of the Goolwa Beach Car Park project,” says Alexandrina CEO Nigel Morris.

“It is great that this iconic location will be better accessible for vehicles and user groups of all abilities. We are working with the Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of South Australia on access considerations to ensure Goolwa Beach can be enjoyed by everyone,” he says. 

A design and construct contract has been awarded and the project is expected to start in February 2023. 

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