Jennifer Pittorino
Open Water Swimmers coach Jason Bryce has started a petition asking Hobsons Bay council to upgrade facilities at Williamstown Beach.
Over 500 people have signed the petition asking for upgraded showers, toilets, change rooms and public facilities, for swimmers that are well away from the outdoor dining area of The Kiosk and preferably closer to the beach.
The petition also asks for meeting places and gathering spaces with shelter, shade and wind breaks for the public at the western end of Williamstown Beach.
“There are simply not enough toilets, showers and change rooms for a popular beach like Williamstown, it is one of the most popular beaches in Melbourne,“ Mr Bryce said.
“There are only two hot water showers which are sometimes locked because council struggles to keep the facilities open every day.“
Works are being planned for the Williamstown Beach Precinct redevelopment to deliver the clubhouse redevelopment, which will include a replacement swimming pool.
The state government has funded $11.3 million which was secured in 2021, with council committing a further $3 million towards the project.
The current pool at Williamstown SLSC is a private pool.
“No where has it ever been said this new pool will be opened to the public, it won’t be providing much of a community benefit,” Mr Bryce said.
The SLSC is run by volunteers who struggle to meet the huge demands for their services at the moment, Mr Bryce said.
“There is a huge demand for Nippers to teach young kids lifesaving but that has had to be reduced in recent summers, even the full summer beach patrol roster is difficult to fill,“ he said.
“A modern aquatic centre can’t be run and maintained by volunteers and this space would be better used being open to the public.“
A council spokesperson said the beach side facilities will be considered for renovation as well as plans for the SLSC development.
“Community facilities such as showers, toilets and change areas will be considered as part of the future upgrades to the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club precinct,“ council said.
“Preliminary concept development work is underway and will be available for community consultation over the coming months.”
“The redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club is continuing in consultation with the club, Life Saving Victoria and the Victorian Government. Community feedback on preliminary concept plans will be sought over the coming months.“
Mr Bryce said the facilities at Williamstown are sub-standard and this is leading to risks and dangers for beach users.
“We are asking for ratepayer and taxpayer funds to be spent on better public facilities to cater for the huge community demand at this popular beach,” he said.
