Hi Beach people, 

The Williamstown SLSC redevelopment is now before council for approval.

Council meetings have heard regular public questions about the impact of the plans on parking, the encroachment onto public land, minimal expansion of or improved public facilities, and the Williamstown foreshore’s heritage overlay.

There are no plans to improve the current changerooms and toilets but council has committed to build one new male toilet and one new female toilet (and have spent $50,000 on the designs) thanks to everybody who signed this petition.

This article from The Westsider published yesterday exposes the rubbery figures and secrecy behind the costs:

"When asked for a breakdown of monies spent and the projected overall spend for Council, a spokesperson said: 

“The total budget is $14.529 million for which Council is contributing $3.0 million.”

"But according to Council’s 2024/25 and projected 25/26 budgets, HBCC will contribute $5.5 million to the redevelopment. A council spokesperson says “The $5.5 million figure referenced reflects part of the total project budget allocated for this financial year, with funds from both Council/state government contribution.”

"However a media release from Melissa Horne in June 2024 indicates council will provide $5.5 million as well as $11.35 million from state coffers amounting to a total of $16.85 million."

This project has been mismanaged from the beginning. The public are clearly missing out as more and more funds are piled into what is becoming a private social club.

This community needs a real lifesaving club with a tower and first-aid facilities near the mid-point of the beach.

The historic hall is being overshadowed by the proposed development with no tangible benefit for public beach users.

No other SLSC has a private lawn, pool and 'members only' fence.

All other popular beaches have public toilets, showers and changerooms that can be accessed without a 30-minute wait.

Please share our petition with other beach users!

Thanks

Jason