Hi Beach Lovers,

Hobsons Bay City Council has denied misleading the public over the cost of the Williamstown Beach redevelopment, despite publishing two very different budget numbers in recent months.

The redevelopment currently proposes to expand the members-only fence, get rid of 26 parking spaces and install a boat ramp from the carpark to the fine white sand behind the rock breakwater.

The council's own Traffic Impact Study is predicting parking chaos if this proposal goes ahead without major changes.

Despite being probably the most expensive surf lifesaving club redevelopment in Australia, there is NO commitment to bring the standard of public toilets, showers and changerooms up to scratch. Other beaches in Melbourne enjoy much better public facilities than Williamstown.

However this redevelopment seeks to funnel millions of dollars earmarked for lifesaving into facilities for social members. 

HBCC's consultation identified three ‘frequently mentioned themes’ that are now being ignored:

1) Broader community access – Respondents ‘wanted to see areas of the club open to the public, particularly the pool and lawn area.’

2) Concern about taxpayer’s money being used for private facilities – Respondents were concerned about ‘the amount of local and state government funding being used to redevelop the club, given that it isn’t available to be used by all.’

3) More/improved amenities – Respondents ‘desire to see more public toilets, change rooms and rinse-off areas/showers.’

The Age reported (in part): 

Tensions flare in seaside suburb over ‘Bondi Icebergs’ proposal

Seven years ago, the [Williamstown SLSC] club’s preliminary plans included converting the swimming pool to a heated indoor pool to expand its learn-to-swim programs.

However, the enormous costs of construction and maintenance led to revised plans in 2023 that would have seen the pool ripped out altogether and the fence removed from around the members’ lawn.

A faction of club members revolted with a petition to “Save Our Pool”, gaining such traction that those plans were torn up. 

The latest plans are what the club believes the community wants and needs: an upgraded building, a new second storey with a function space and gym, ample storage space for equipment and retention of the members’ lawn, heritage hall and pool.

Objectors are annoyed at some [WSLSC] members for likening the club’s plan to Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs. 

Petition organiser Paul Austin says: "The council and the state government should be thinking very hard about the way this private club is proposing to use millions of dollars of public money.” 

“Everyone supports the lifesavers," said Paul but “This is less about saving swimmers and more about serving cocktails.”

Resident Jason Bryce who runs Williamstown Open Water Swim Coaching argued the money should be used to build an observation tower at the middle of the beach, a first-aid room, boat storage and ramps.

“The funding should be used for lifesaving, not to support a licensed bar.”

Please share our petition. Use the highlighted link below.

It's not too late, we can influence this disastrous development that threatens public access to the beach and ignores its own consultation.

https://www.change.org/WilliamstownBeachRedevelopment

Thanks and see you in the sea!

Jason