Seperate paths aren't necessary but paths that are wide and have visibility are. Access for all to the beach is important, more so than to the lifesaving club itself.

Some areas of the trail are narrow and somewhat spooky for solo runners/walkers. Widening the path and making the surface more even is a great proposal.

There's a perfectly good and very expensive bike and running track next to Beach Road just right for solo runners. It's well lit, open, and has an excellent surface and long sight-lines. Why does the Coastal Path environment have to be butchered for some runners. Bit selfish.

I should have worded my comment more clearly. I am not suggesting paving the entire path, nor lopping trees. I am suggesting making specific areas more accessible for the entire community: the areas that are boggy marshes in winter and sand pits in summer; the parts of the track where tree branches stick out onto the trail and you are likely to run into someone suddenly. This, in my opinion, entails trimming trees and compacting the path in specific areas. There's really no need to call me a 'bit selfish'. I too am a rate-paying member of this community and I came here to offer my opinion about a track I use everyday. My opinion may not match yours but it doesn't warrant name calling.

Spend our money on more important issues

Your proposed changes include "Closure of timber stairs opposite Gordon Crescent...when major repairs are required to reduce ongoing maintenance costs". If this clause passes muster I fear that “major repairs” will be "required" soon afterwards and the stairs will be gone just like that. A lot of residents in the surrounding streets enjoy using these stairs to access the beach. How will removing the stairs improve access to the beach (stated as a key objective of the masterplan)? These stairs need to be repaired rarely and I am sure they do not cost much in the great scheme of things. I am sure that local residents would prefer to see the stairs remain in place and are not too worried about the "ongoing maintenance costs" - I would have thought our rates would cover that! Please don't close them.

It would be a great disappointment to have these stairs closed. As a not so local resident (about a kilometre away) we use these stairs regulatrly to access this part of the beach. It is also of my opinion that many others use these stairs, local residents as well as visitors. Please keep them. They need to be maintained and as other topics have indicated there is not a lot of infrastructure for the council to maintain in Black Rock, this is an important step piece of infrastructure the community should be sble to rely on.

Nick, fully agree. The paid parking on beach road is testament to the popularity of this beach. To remove the stairs would deprive council of a revenue source and also create safety issues both on the beach and on the running path (from stalkers and other unsavouries). Access to the swimming beach would be limited solely to from the life saving club with the vast section of the beach along the sea wall being un-swimmable.

I agree with all the above. The stairs in question provide the only access to the beach at that point, with the distance to the ramps on either side too far for us to walk with small children and often a pram. I think any minor costs associated with maintaining the stairs could be absorbed by the Council for the greater good of the community.

I am a long time Black Rock resident and live in Gordon Crescent. The Gordon Crescent beach access has always been used by locals, not only Gordon Crescent people but other rate payers from Glenmore, Sylvia, Stanley, Ardoyne, etc and visitors from further afield. On warm days we have visitors park in our street; mothers, children, teenagers, seniors using the Gordon Crescent beach access because it is convenient, and a reasonably easy walk for all. I would be interested to see the data which Thompson, Berrill Landscape Design rely on to make their statement “Replacement will create significant environmental impact and cost for only local use” I understand the need to prioritise spending and projects but believe this blanket approach overlooks the wishes of the local rate paying community. A community that is happy to share beach. I strongly believe the Gordon Crescent beach access should be retained. This is to be read as a new post in addition to an earlier reply from my husband.

The path up to Black Rock house would benefit from better lighting but this would be a low priority as number of people using the walkway after dark must be small. Grass in front of lifesaving club could be better used.

There is a lack of bins along the promenade which runs along the beach in Black Rock. One every 500 metres or so would be a great service to dog-walkers. "

Please do not close the wooden staircase opposite gordon crescent. It provides the best access to the best beach, and it is a magnificent location and view from there. There is no need to close it, it's so important, and just needs a little bit more love and upkeep, but not to be destroyed or closed. Please!! It's way too popular to close.

David, fully agree and support the non closure. Its quite amazing that council talks about a lack of infrastructure in one breath, and then goes on to quietly talk about closing an important and significant infrastructure in the next breath. Ridiculous.

Closing Gordon Crescent access will make the beach quieter and prone to safety issues and a potential trap for stalkers. Access for swimmers will be restricted - this is a dedicated swimming beach. Furthermore, Black Rock is already short of infrastructure (as you say), closing a piece of infrastructure is akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul. If repairs are needed, we the residents would be happy to contribute. I would like to see a cost benefit analysis showing: Cost to demolish vs cost to repair.

One of my biggest concerns is safety, the bushes are a picture on the cliffs but potential hide out for unwanted weirdos, the stairs are a great access off if you ever feel isolated or vulnerable especially in the winter months when it can be quiet.

Beach along the sea wall is frequently washed away (hence the sea wall). The best swimming beach is between the Life Saving Club and Gordon Crescent stairs. Full and frequent access is required to ensure safety of swimmers, walkers in an area where there is already poor infrastructure. Life saving club is great to have, but lets be frank, it is a leisure club as there are no rips - bigger safety issue in the area is access!

I oppose the closure of the two sets of stairs as outlined in the master plan. These stairs provide an important and valuable link for bayside residents to access the foreshore areas at black rock. and have done so for many years. Residents live in bayside to be able to access these areas. As such council should better understand what's important to residents and support access to these environs for ratepayers and not limiting them based on "maintenance issues" - that's what our rates are for. If maintenance costs are deemed high and I cannot see how for "bluestone steps" in one case then capital funding should be considered and set aside for this work rather than maintenance. I also query if the bluestone steps at the forth ave end would be protected by heritage overlay.

I oppose the reconstruction of the costal walking path to "concrete". This is not in keeping with the current environs and would further detract from the area - a concrete path is also not a costal walking path.!! The cost of this is not an appropriate use of rate payers funds

As an avid user of the walking trial I don't agree with removing fences to go from a fence each side to just one side. I understand why going forward only one would be built (beach side), however the existing fence on the Beach Rd side is in perfect condition and does protect the flora. I find it very pleasant to walk along. A few more canopy trees planted each side would be great. I don't agree with removing the Gordan Crescent stairs as they are used by many residents and we shouldn't be cutting off access but I'm okay with the wooden stairs at Black Rock itself being closed as they are right along side the Life Saving Ramp. I'm okay with improving the walking path in places where it is difficult to walk but it needs to be a basic sand path, certainly NOT concrete.

It is with absolute disbelief to learn that someone could even contemplate the closure of Gordon Crescent stair access to the beach ( the one in continuation to the Gordon Crescent). I have lived in Bayside for 20 years myself and precisely right across the road at 276 Beach Rd for more than 5 years now and I have seen on a regular basis, day in day out, countless number of families, individuals, etc. using these stairs in abundant numbers per day. I am willing to film all this flux of people using these stairs and certainly trying to put this on the news in the case that you want to pursue this incredible idea. The entire Gordon Crescent residents use these stairs on a regular basis and then some that I know personally from further away. If anything you should aim to upgrade them in any way possible not get rid of them. On your map by removing these stairs you create probably the longest stretch of usable beach without access by comparison to any other area around the bay. There are countless number of people coming from other areas of Melbourne who park on Gordon Crescent and need access to the beach as well who should not be redirected as cattle needing to walk hundreds of meters just to have a bit of pleasure using these beaches which are no one's private property. I am disappointed that I even have to take the time to write about this. I cannot understand how this council represents the interests of its residents coming with such proposal. I for one I am TOTALLY AGAINST this ridiculous suggestion.

I am totally opposed to the closure of the Gordon Cr stair access..I personally use these stairs daily and they provide a wonderful access.....I am sure the cost of upkeep is very small compared to the enjoyment it provides the ratepayers in the area

I am beside myself with joy to see the amount of passionate people who also see the closure of the Gordon Street Stairs a disgrace. I have been doing my research over the last couple of weeks to build a very good case as to why and keep these stairs. I have lived in Black Rock for over 10 years, and I have been a regular user of these stairs since becoming a resident. As a younger woman I find these stairs are a necessity to having easy access to get off the beach on quieter days during the year, often the beach can be very empty in off-season and the distance between the two ramps are almost a kilometre apart. For safety reasons it is important to have easy access off the beach. Now that I have young children we use the stairs to walk from home in Stanley Street. We take our equipment for the day and set off down Gordon Street to use the stair access. As it is we walk 700 meters to get to the beach and the kids find it a decent walk both ways with our boogie boards and beach clutter. If we are to walk to one of the ramps the quickest route is another 400 meters making the journey over a kilometre in distance. Our easy walk becomes not so easy and therefore the use of the car to get to the beach comes all the more appealing. If every family that utilises these stairs were to do the same the parking issue would become impossible, this would also stop the revenue council can receive from non-residents parking for the day, as locals will be forced to drive down and block potential non resident spots. My last point to make it my grandparents who live in Seaview Crescent for over 40 years are also users of the Gordon Street Stairs, my grandmother tells me that she is not able to use the ramp as it is too hard to walk up, the stairs have a half-way seat where she can rest her legs. It may seem that a ramp is good for all, but perhaps consider that the stairs is a great alternative as well. I have done some house effected calculations below. Estimated 403 properties will be effected - Increased walks: Approx. increase = 400 m if walking from the top of the Gordon Crescent Stairs along the coastal trail to Life Saving Club to Beach at bottom of stairs ~400 m - Increased walks: Approx. increase = 460 m if walking from the top of the Gordon Crescent Stairs along the coastal trail to Seaview Ramp to Beach at bottom of stairs ~460 m Perhaps council could study the impact to home owners and how this would increase driving traffic to the beach and cause parking issues for owners in the side streets in Black rock effected? Other questions I would like to understand council investigating: What are the actual maintenance cost per year? How much would it cost to remove the steps? does that outweigh the actual upkeep, keeping in mind the stairs have not been touched in the 11 years I have lived in Black Rock! I look forward to our stairs remaining and the continued enjoyment and use by all for many many years to come. Thank you Louise Lock Stanley Street Resident.

Louise, thank you for articulating this, which I fully support. The master plan on the web has a total cost of over $3.3m being considered for upgrading the life saving club, new vehicle access to the beach and other things that are all well and good. They have allocated $10,000 to monitor and then demolish these stairs. I am no builder, but $10,000 would go a long way towards repairing these stairs every 10 years.

I have sought feedback from my neighours and acquaintences and they are all active users of the stairs. They feel that: 1. the stairs are much easier to access teh beach than the ramps due to the hand rail, and the seat. 2. the stretch of beach would be very quiet and safety would be a problem. 3. the cost to repair is likely to be very small vs the $3m plus of the entire project and a valuable piece of infrastructure lost. 4. Revenue in terms of car parking fees would also be lost as the walk to Black Rock beach would be much harder. 5. $10,000 to demolish the stairs would be better used to repair and maintain them. 6. A facebook page is being organised to mobilise the local residents and the councillers will be well advised not to ignore this. Removing a piece of infrastructure is not good policy.

I'd love to see the concrete sea wall/path extended past the Black Rock Lifesaving Club all the way around to Half Moon Bay. This would connect the Half Moon Bay precinct to Black Rock Village and make beach access all along Black Rock beach much easier. And what a wonderful walk it would be from Half Moon Bay down to Rickett's Point or vice versa.

I disagree, the greatest feature of this section of beach is its' separation from other beaches like the busy Half Moon Bay beach.

One of the everyday joys of living in Black Rock for over 20 years is to walk through the soft sand of the coastal path with the labrador. The path is an absolute rustic gem nowadays very rarely found on this side of the bay. Why do we have to tame it, neaten it and gentrify it? Widening the pathway so it has neat edges and sealing it with compacted granitic gravel and sand is not what the Black Rock foreshore is about. A 2m wide path with another 0.5m of vegetation cut back from each side of the path (3m in total) will actually encourage bike riders. We lost an enormous amount of vegetation when the shared path was built beside Beach Road, now more vegetation will be lost. Forget the promises of revegetation (I'm a member of BRASCA), no more land will be gained to compensate for the loss of vegetation. Why we need open sitelines is a mystery; the meandering of the path is delightful and it's not 'spooky'. I suggest a fence on one side and the other side to remain as it is. What would be nice would be to sign specific plants indigenous to the area eg. Sea Box, Boobialla, Coastal Salt Bush, and Coastal Wattle.

I agree with your comments 100 per cent. This is Black Rock not St Kilda so why destroy this gem by changing its' character.

As a resident of Gordon crescent, these stairs that access the beach are used many times daily, both in summer and winter. The number of cars parked in the street on warm/hot days are testament to the popularity of this access point. It is close to the patrolled clubrooms and to close/remove this access is just plain silly.

I agree that the Gordon Crescent stairs to the beach are a valuable access point and should not be removed. I often travel to Black Rock beach from Port Melbourne to swim. I always use these stairs to access the beach, and I see plenty of other people doing the same. Surely beach access, whether for swimming or walking, should be made as convenient and easy as possible. Furthermore, regular use of stairs like these involves beneficial aerobic exercise, it is simply good for all of us. The idea of removing or closing them seems like an all too convenient solution to the issue of maintenance. It is a seriously backward step.

I run on the coastal trail every day. It does not need widening, sealing, fencing, taming, gentrifying or any other 'ing'. Leave it the way it is, that is the charm of it, just a bit of maintenance every now and then. With regard to the Gordon Cres. stairs of course they should stay. This is access to the best swimming section of the beach. In terms of usage these stairs appear much more popular than the Seaview ramp and should have priority of that. One of the 'reasons' given for removal is that replacement will damage some remnant vegetation, of course when it suits the plan, such as widening the trail, extending the ramp or building/moving toilets then the vegetation is not so precious. Please do the right thing by the local residents and the many visitors we see and retain the stairs.

I regularly use the Gordon Crescent access point. It is very popular with the locals - proposed improvements should not be taking away the access and facilities that we currently enjoy. The outdoor shower that is accessed by the public is currently used, is in a great location. I would prefer to see it upgraded on the current site- separate to the life-saving club, which may or may not be granted funding. This site is frequently used by the public as it is. The new toilets should incorporate a change area - not unlike what is offered by the Mornington Peninsula shire at Mother's Beach. I wholehearted support increased access for the elderly to the area around the park. I have a mother on a walker who would enjoy walking around it. I would extend the proposed access path to make a loop around the park.

Separation of cyclists and walkers/joggers on the coast walking path should be encouraged, and continued efforts/facilities to discourage cyclists would help with the reduction of risks for injury, and reduce the level of impacts made by more impactful all terrain cycles. The area is not suited for off sealed path cycling. Given the beach access ramps and sets of stairs, these provide a well distributed series of access along the full area. Careful consideration needs to be given if any reduction (removal or non-replacement of stairs) in access is implemented, as people will continue to make new access to the beach in these areas. One alternative may be to maintain the stairs (Gordon St), and utilise recycle plastic wood or other materials which may last longer than the life period of the existing wood. Alternatives and impacts should be fully considered before any or the existing accesses are removed.

The proposed new metered parking in front of the BRLSC needs to be checked regarding drainage, space and access. I understand that this area has been prone to water ponding during rain events, and will need significant drainage management. This needs to be considered as part of the BRLSC upgrade, as there has been significant flooding through that area as well. Assessment as to whether there is sufficient disabled parking in the area to the south of the playground should be done before more spaces are considered for near the BRLSC.

Additional parking in front of the Black Rock LSC should be totally avoided as it will add to existing traffic congestion in an area with a double roundabout, pedestrian crossing & very heavy cyclist use. It will cause traffic to back up even more through the intersections, increase driver distraction & delays. More importantly it will also significantly increase the likelihood of accidents between cars/cycles/pedestrians. Disabled access would be better located at the car park at the southern end of the playground esp if disabled toilets were located there as well. Additionally being off Beach Road would make it safer for disabled if they require assistance getting in & out of the car.

As a resident of Black Rock I totally disagree with the proposed removal of the Gordon Crescent stairs. The stairs have been there for many decades and are regularly used by Bayside residents. The stairs allow a safe access to & from the beach so that you do not have to walk the long distance to the ramps at either end of the beach. I think by removing the stairs this will cause unnecessary congestion & cause a safety issue on the shared bike/pedestrian path as pedestrians try to access the beach. It will also cause major parking problems in the streets that are located at either end of the beach near the ramps for all the beach visitors. This will only cause more anguish for the local residents that have difficulty parking in their residing streets. I think the removal of the stairs would create a safety issue for beach users in the middle of the beach who would no longer have an immediate and easy means to leave the beach if there was a safety issue.

Removing any existing stairs to the beach would have a negative impact on both residents & visitors alike. These stairs have been there for many years & so they currently do not create any environmental damage by taking up any more footprint. If they were to be removed, the result would be to increase impact on the other beach access points & the beach itself, making them busier & more crowded. More importantly traffic conditions & parking problems would increase even further in areas closer to the access points. Additionally local residents who typically use the beach daily would be required to walk much further. Visitors who could not get parking close by would also be inconvenienced requiring families with children & beach gear to walk/carry things much further. The concerns seem to be maintenance rather than location. Instead of removing them, they should be refurbished with a longer lasting material eg recycled products, making them cheaper to maintain in the future. Perhaps part of the cost of refurbishment could be met by sponsorship from a suitable company. Cost savings could then be used on other high priority areas.

While I support maintenance of the beach track and removal of hazards such as newly protruding branches and roots, its sandy surface and natural look are part of its charm, so I encourage council to use a light hand and keep it looking the way it does. I strongly agree that cyclists should not use the sandy track and would encourage this to be policed more often (being a regular runner I've had several near misses). The two beachside tracks (sealed and unsealed) provide a different experience and are quite different (much appreciated) resources that enhance the Bayside area and encourage healthy exercise.

Cyclists should not be allowed on the coastal track - they should stay on the shared path.... Maintenance on the coastal path should be improved in frequency but the character retained.... Access stairs should be retained/refreshed Additional parking on Beach Rd should not be proceeded with - too much congestion already.... if reqd, increase to 2 the number of disabled car park spaces in existing car park & with improved access to BRLSC & beach, this should be sufficient for disable needs....

I cannot support closing the access opposite Gordon Crescent. Using cost of maintenance as a reason is a very weak argument. When, how and how often, do they get 'maintained" now?. I use them regularly they seem well built and sturdy to me and look like they'll last quite a while before replacement is required - so maybe an occasional replacement of a plank or a rail is all that has been required. Their loss for beachgoers would be enormous and surely not justified by claiming a small cost saving in budget. To force people to access at either end of the beach will cause further concentrated parking congestion in nearby streets at those entry points and for those on foot a much further walk on hot days Please rethink this one

As a long term resident of Black Rock, I wholeheartedly oppose the closure of the stairs opposite Gorden Cresent. The closure of the stairs will cause too much congestion in neighbouring streets, with all the additional cars parking there as well as on the beach which would be overpopulated at the two closest access points. Furthermore I believe the closure would prevent residents, such as my grandmother who has accessed the beach via these stairs for the past 55 years, from venturing to the beach as it will add close to 600m for the round trip. I believe a more viable solution would be to repair the stairs with longer lasting materials, which if recycled could be a financially and environmentally sustainable option.

I strongly oppose the closure of the Gordon Crescent timber stairs beach access. The reasons are manyfold. Firstly the stairs are being well used by people! I used them basically every day when walking our dog. I see joggers going up and down for fitness challenges. As car parking on Beach Road is metered now you want to make sure to at least give good and close access to visitors in return. I also see the stairs to increase safety when wanting to leave the beach immediately ie when no one else is on the beach and I see a "lonely figure" (potential flasher or drugged person) by the cliffs I'm glad to escape up the stairs as a preemptive measure. The same really goes to Quiet Corner stairs.

In the Appendix the recommendation of non replacement in future of the Second St ramp is ludicrous. It is perfectly sound and is visually attractive with the historic cliff rock retaining wall. It services pedestrian traffic and dog walkers constantly. It also allows beach access from the promenade which in not possible at the Black Rock House ramp since the steps to the beach were removed and walled over years ago. I strongly oppose the closure of the steps at Gordon St and also those to the south of the beach showers. The more access to the beach the better for local residents who walk to the beach. No need for additional parking at the pedestrian lights near the life saving club. It will make Beach Rd even more congested, lead to further danger to cyclists using the cycle track and will reduce the buffer grassed area used for recreactional activities by locals and the life saving club. The ramp leading from the clocktower already has handrails on one side. This surely is enough for safe acccess to the promenade without rails the other side thereby narrowing the path further.

The Gordon Crescent stairs should under no conditions be removed and should be repaired when needed using prefabricated timber segments that cause minimum damage to vegetation. They are key to providing pedestrian permeability to the beach and are used by not only residents but many cyclists, walkers and weekend beach visitors. Removing them will mean there is no access between the BRLSC and Half Moon Bay carpark, meaning that these already congested areas will be have more people traffic, and visitors will have to walk far to disperse evenly on the beach on popular swimming days. The argument that they only provide amenity for residents is a sloppy generalization that shows lack of on-site research and is highly aggravating to residents who pay the council rates that are funding the project and will suffer a daily inconvenience as a result of this. The aim of a $5 million investment into this area should be to increase amenity, not decrease it.

A lot of people cannot work out how to 'Have a Say' on this forum. They are opposed to the closure of the wooden stairs at Gordon Cres but are having difficulty registering online and making their views known. Is it a badly designed website or is this a ploy by Council to minimise the responses by creating such a circuitous route to make a comment? Then Council could claim that not enough people had their say! Today I spoke to a number of people on the wooden stairs, the beach, the concrete promenade, the shops. I know this in anecdotal evidence but no one is in favour of Council's plans and think it is a waste of our rates. 'It's lovely as it is. Leave it natural' is the main argument.

Keep and maintain the timber stairs opposite Gordon Crescent. I've been using this access for over 50 years just like many others. It would be very foolish and in considerate to close them.

I'm a resident of Stanley for 30 years and plan to be for another 30 years. The Gordon Street stairs (beach access) has constantly been used by my family (immediate and extended family) during this time and is still being used today. Closing the stairs would mean I/we would access the foreshore at either the Black Rock Lifesaving Club or the Sylvia Crescent beach access path. This would cause a great congregation of beach goers (and their cars!!) to these areas. Further more, the Gordon Street stairs are a great place for exercise. In fact, the Black Rock foreshore lacks exercise areas(and equipment) for adults!! The master plan's object is to improve the Black Rock foreshore. I cannot see how closing the Gordon Crescent Stairs would improve the area. Not happy!!

Love Black Rock and love the ability to enjoy fresh air, exercise and the beach area after moving from Manningham council. Please keep the Gordon St stairs please please !!! So many people use these twice a day in my case :). I live in Stanley St and would also think adding the adult exercise equipment added to the redevelopment ?? One last thing Kingston council have added great toilets is there an option to not just put the non environmentally friendly silver public toilets ?

I have used the Gordon Cres stairs for some 55 years -this either makes me very old, or a long time resident. Luckily I am the latter (although some would probably say I'm old)! I consider the move to close the stairs as purely cost saving. I can remember when there was a paved ramp prior to the stairs. If the stairs are to be closed when they are no longer usable, then that is probably imminent. The stairs have been in existence now for a number of years, and have required little maintenance up until now, thus making them quite cost effective. I was rather surprised some of the lower steps were not replaced prior to this current Summer. I would be more than happy to come down and help replace steps and dig out sand from under the lower section if it was done on a weekend, to save on expense. Closing the stairs would create both user and traffic congestion at either end of Black Rock beach, and exclude the best section of the beach (in my opinion) to many elderly residents who are unable to walk the extra distance to either the life saving club (is already crowded on hot days), or Seaview Cres (is rocky). The Gordon Cres stairs in my opinion, provide little environmental impact, with coastal scrub growing, and indeed encroaching, on either side of the stairs. The council should be providing, and maintaining amenities for the community, and therefore not decreasing access to Black Rock beach. I would be extremely disappointed and angry if a financially driven decision to close the stairs were to proceed, as I cannot see any other reason for there demise.

I would be ready to help with repair too. RL

I have a walking disability and I find the Gordon Crescent stairs give me easy and safe access to the beach which I don't have with ramps. Firstly the stairs are narrow enough to hold both rails when I need them and have stopping places where I can sit if the pain is too much. I don't like the ramp at the life saving club, partly because it is further to walk but mostly because it was on a hard slope covered with sand and gravel that I slipped some years ago leading to the injury that in turn led to my present disability. I understand you are planning to replace the existing club ramp with a new one, but amid the nice pictures and vision statements, I can't find a reference to it on the master plan. Like many others who have commented here I don't want a nice new ramp and prefer the existing old stairs. Surely the cost of occasionally replacing some treated pine planks is not going to dent the council budget excessively. I have used the stairs for about 25 years. Will I be forced to take legal action against the council in future for slipping on a sandy ramp?

This is such a strong argument from someone that has a walking disability. Given that part of the argument by council with the proposal is in relation to disability

No because to widen the Coast Walking Path will not discourage cyclists in fact it will attract cyclists such as BMX off road bikes with chunky treads that would add to the erosion problem. There is already adequate cycling space along the Beach Road Bay Trail and Beach Road itself. Also I do not agree that increasing the width of the Coast Walking Path to 2.0m with an extra 0.5m pruned clearance either side making it a total of 3.0m will reduce impact on the coastal vegetation instead it would create the possibility of significant erosion to this delicate coastal strip. Not to mention the amount of flora that would need to be removed to widen the path, refer to page 12 of the draft & the EMO on page 3 of the draft.

I am so angry at the long term proposed plan to remove the Gordon Crescent timber stairs! One major factor for buying a residence in Black Rock where we did was due to having direct access to the beach via these stairs which we use daily! Firstly, I would be very interested to know how the replacement of these stairs are supposed to "create significant environmental impact". What assessments have been carried out to lead to this conclusion? Also, you have said that replacement of these stairs will create significant cost for local use only. What assessments have been taken out to show that only locals use these stairs? Wouldn't we want everyone including "non locals" having as much access to our amazing beaches and enjoying the environment that we have. Your plan is to "direct local users to the Black Rock Life Saving Club ramp when upgraded" but I guess you would direct "all users" to BRLSC. Wouldn't making "all users" access this beach via one ramp create more wear and tear and environmental impact by channelling everyone to one section of the beach? Other parts of your master plan are to maintain cultural heritage. Are you aware that there have been access stairs and previously an access ramp from this very Gordon Crescent site prior to 1930? My family over three generations have been using these stairs/ramp for in excess of 85 years, is that not heritage to maintain?

The Gordon St stairs are the only point of access to our beach for so many local families and elderly people. They provide quick, easy and safe access to the beach and have done so for many years. They are also necessary as an exit point in the case of an emergency. There is absolutely no viable reason for their removal.

The Gordon Street stairs to the beach provide valued access to many people. It is a beautiful part of the beach and many people are not able to walk along way along the beach but will manage the stairs to gain access.

I read with some alarm that one of the Masterplan proposals is to demolish the Gordon Crescent stairs to the beach. My family regularly uses these stairs. Removal would reduce the amenity of the area and would be a very backward step. By all means add and improve disabled access elsewhere but removal of the existing access makes no sense. Please do not do this.

I preside in Brighton East and often frequent black rock to visit my friend and go down to the beach. We have always found these stairs to be convenient and safe and has led to many happy times. PLEASE DON'T REMOVE MY STAIRS!!!!

I reside in Gordon Crescent and want to share that the Gordon Crescent Stairs to the Beach are used by locals and non locals that use our street for parking. We have a petition of about 500 signatures of people outraged about this proposal. The impact of the stairs on the environment is a weak argument as well as the cost to maintain them. They are an iconic part of the area and service the area well because it divides access between the Life Saving Club and Half Moon. Closing the stairs would place undue pressure on these other areas to gain beach access. The imput from the locals is resounding that the stairs need to stay and the locals are strongly apposed. My concern is that this website is difficult to navigate and confusing where to leave feedback and the council meeting regarding this issue was poorly represented by council. Hence take note - 500 people have signed to appose this proposal

Black Rock beach Gordon Crescent stairs are a sanity lifeline to our family. We have an adult severely autistic son (non verbal) who, when he is 'out of control', we walk from our Gordon Crescent home down the stairs onto the beach where our son sifts the sand through his hands until he calms. Our son is obsessed with sand and water. Our primary reason for purchasing our home in Gordon Crescent was for our son to have regular ease of access to the beach down the stairs. Having no receptive language, he will NEVER understand if the stairs are not there and he will not be persuaded to go onto the beach via an alternate route. In addition, the stairs are NOT only for local resident's use...........as is suggested in the Master Plan. During summer our streets are full of cars during the day - their owners accessing the beach down the stairs. Always a pleasure to see families being able to access the best swimming beach on the East side of Port Philip Bay. We STRONGLY object to the stairs being removed. If need be we as a family will offer our time to assist in the upgrading or replacement of the stairs.

I have just noticed that the same plan applies to the Quiet Corner stairs as well as the Gordon Crescent stairs. While the Gordon Crescent stairs dominate this discussion, I am sure there would be similar opposition to "remove and revegetate" the Quiet Corner timber stairs. How can reduced access to the beaches in Bayside be consistent with improved amenity? It can't. Extract from Plan:- "Monitor condition of the Quiet Corner timber stairs. Replacement will create sigificant environmental impact and cost for only local use. Prioritise upgrade of the nearby Black Rock House Ramp and remove and revegetate the timber stairs when major repairs are required. (L)"

My family and I have lived in Stanley Street for over 18 years and regularly use the Gordon Street timber stairs. They provide brilliant access to Black Rock beach for locals and visitors alike and should not be closed. Whoever has proposed this idea obviously does not live here!! There are many local elderly and very young residents who walk to the beach and use these stairs on a frequent basis - making them walk additional distances to either the Life Saving Club or the Seaview Cres ramp may mean they either don't go to the beach at all or go by car. We do not need more cars in the vicinity - all the residential streets off Beach Road and Beach Road itself are already overflowing with cars on hot days - why would you want to encourage more car use and congestion!! This is likely to have more environmental impact than what you claim the stairs will do. In the 18 years we have been here we do not remember any maintenance work having been performed on the stairs - for council to now say that it is too expensive to repair them is completely unacceptable - if money had been spent on them previously - the task may not be so onerous now. The money council has saved by not maintaining the stairs should now be used to repair them as needed. Local residents pay extremely generous amounts in rates - surely some of this could be directed to maintaining the stairs to the standard required. We absolutely and unequivocally do not agree with the proposal to close the Gordon Street timber stairs and request that you remove this from the Master Foreshore Plan

Like many people, I strongly object to the removal of the Gordon Street stairs. The stairs are frequently used by many people all year round. So obviously there is a need . Removal of the stairs means there is no longer a quick way to the beach for many Black Rock residents. The added walking time will be the end of a "quick morning dip" for many. The nearest beach accesses on either side of the Gordon St stairs are ramps. For older people with arthritic knees, ramps are, compared to stairs, an inconvenient and sometimes painful way of getting to the beach. Speaking from experience here. Surely the cost of maintenance and repair of timber stairs is minimal compared to the other items in the masterplan.

I am a Black Rock resident for over 20 years. My feedback to the various raised proposals: Gordon Street Timber Stairs: a strong NO to remove them. They are very well used year round and costs are not a reasonable ground for removal as there must have ben little spent on their upkee for years. Same applies to Quiet Corner: let's keep that access as well. Toilet position Black Rock playground: I am satisfied with the present toilet facilities. They are discreetly placed just a little distance from the playground and hidden by shrubbery. The position of the proposed new toilets a) in straight view as you try to admire the bay b) too close to playground c) why -if replacement is voted on - would the new toilets not be placed at existing site saving costs moving plumbing work. Quiet Corner new toilet facility: yes I think they would get used.

RE: Closure of Gordon Crescent Stairs to Black Rock Beach. We believe that the Gordon Crescent stairs should be saved. It is very important to have few accesses to the beach. The main pass is occupied by facilities of Black Rock Lifesaving Club. There is regular movement of boats, boat moving vehicles and hundreds of school children over weekends. It is not safe now. The removal of the Gordon Crescent stairs will make things much worse. As a medical practitioner I strongly believe that there should be few accesses to the recreation and tranquility area of the sea shore. People could have different medical problems (extensive Psoriasis, Depression, etc.), which makes their mixing with the crowd very stressful. These people will rather not attend the beach at all what could be very detrimental for their health. Finally, those stairs is a part cultural heritage and should be saved. A number of overseas visitors commented very high on preservation of such beautiful and romantic feature as a Gordon Crescent Stairs. They rather suggested that this beauty should be kept in a better condition. Dr Boris Mezhov, MBBS, FRACP, FACRRM, AMA - General Practitioner

I believe that the steps to the beach that are adjacent to Gordon Cres are important for beach access and add to the general amenity and beachy feel of the walking path. Assuming that the upkeep of the steps is the reason they are to be closed, were other options considered that might allow them to be retained.

Gordon Crescent stairs should be retained. They represent a continuing traditional beach culture around the bay: quick access for individuals and families, who don't need car parks. Such paths to the beach are made when people take short cuts to the beach at very convenient places, not where councils propose. Probably the stair cases are then put in. They are made of natural, untreated hard timber, which needs minimal maintenance. The stairs fit in discreetly with the environment, hardly noticeable in fact. These days they are often used for exercise too, as in running up and down them repeatedly. Please leave the timber stairs wherever they are and keep concrete in this beautiful area to an absolute minimum.