Barwon Coast is pleased to announce the completion of the Collendina Bonnyvale Road beach access stairs upgrade, delivering safer access to the coast for the community.

Completed ahead of the busy Easter period, the project replaces ageing infrastructure that had been impacted by storms and coastal erosion, with a modern, durable staircase designed to improve safety while protecting the surrounding dune environment.

The upgrade has been delivered with support from the Victorian Government’s 2024–25 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program and forms part of Barwon Coast’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe and sustainable access to the coastline.

Extensive planning and technical assessments informed the final design, ensuring it is appropriate for this sensitive coastal location. The new alignment minimises disturbance to the dune system while providing a safe and compliant access point for beach users.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Chair Peter Farrell said the project reflects the importance of balancing community access with environmental protection.

“This upgrade delivers a safer, more resilient access point for the community while carefully managing the impacts on the surrounding dune environment,” he said.

“We know how valued this location is, and this project ensures people can continue to enjoy the coast safely, now and into the future.”

The works also included improvements to fencing, pathways and surrounding access points, helping guide visitors safely to and from the beach.

Barwon Coast thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during construction.

Quotes attributable to Alison Marchant MP, Member for Bellarine:
“The Victorian Government is proud to support projects like this that improve public access while protecting our coastline. This is a positive outcome for the Bellarine, delivering safer access for the community while caring for our unique coastal environment.”