Hobsons Bay council has been accused of changing plans for the proposed redevelopment of the Williamstown Surf Lifesaving Club (WSLSC) without consulting the public.
Long-time WSLSC lifesaver and open water swimming coach Jason Bryce said concept plans for the redevelopment recently posted on council’s website, showed the project had grown.
“The premises of WSLSC and the extent of the works has been expanded, to the detriment of the public,” said Mr Bryce, who shared images of both the original and updated concept plans with Star Weekly.
Of particular concern for Mr Bryce are red lines on the updated plans which extend over parts of the carpark and which he believes could inhibit access to the beach if they are fenced off.
“Most public swimmers access the beach from the carpark and the bus stop at the end of Victoria Street,” he said.
“These plans reduce public access to the western end of the beach, reduce public carparking, increase the fenced-off members-only areas to include three private lawns and a licensed function centre.”
In response, a spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council said it was unaware of any expansion of fencing as part of the redevelopment.
It’s understood the red lines on concept plan indicate the project’s overall footprint, not the proposed fence line.
The council spokesperson conceded the project had changed, though wouldn’t confirm if it had expanded.
“Council can confirm the overall project footprint was adjusted following the first round of consultation to accommodate the identified needs and adjustments required when the swimming pool was added back into the updated concept,” said the spokesperson, adding that the public had been given the opportunity to provide feedback on the adjusted plans.
“This project has been through two rounds of community consultation, receiving more than 700 submissions, which helped guide the planning and design process.
“Council’s statutory planning team is assessing a planning permit application.”
While the redeveloped WSLSC will largely be a private facility, the addition of public funding from the state government ($11.3 million) and Hobsons Bay council ($3 million) has made it a source of controversy for locals.
Submissions to the planning process can be made at: https://hbcc.greenlightopm.com/public/App_Advertising/122505079pfRiGa6l
