By Goya Dmytryshchak
Community feedback is being sought on scaled-back plans for a viewing platform and ramp at a popular Altona beach swimming spot.
Flemings Pool at the end of Millers Road is named after the Fleming family which in 1915 removed rocks to create a swimming hole.
Hobsons Bay council has toned down its original plans to build a large tiered seating area following a community outcry in August.
It followed complaints that council drainage works had destroyed the swim spot.
Last year, the council built a 45-metre stormwater pipe encased in a revetment and placed rocks at the site to stop erosion.
As reported by Star Weekly, talks were held between councillors, residents and traders in response to calls to remove the rocks and restore the beach to a sandy state.
Even Cheryl Gardner, granddaughter of one of the pool’s creators, Lawrence Fleming, said she had contacted the council.
In its latest plans, the council has ditched the tiered seating for a bluestone wall.
It plans to build a new access ramp further west towards Seves Street to increase the Flemings Pool beach area.
The council is holding a community information session to view the plans and provide feedback on Thursday, November 15 from 5.30pm-7.30pm at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre in Altona.
Construction is due to start after summer.
People can view the new plans and provide feedback until November 25 here.
