After extensive community engagement in 2022, at its Council Meeting on 21 February 2023 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the Hastings Foreshore Masterplan.
Hastings foreshore is a much-loved area by residents and visitors. It's used daily by people exercising, fishing, playing and socialising, and is home to occasional large-scale events such as concerts and festivals.
Throughout 2022 we heard from over 400 people online and at our drop in sessions – thank you to everyone who provided their thoughts!
Thanks to your feedback and suggestions, the Masterplan focuses on the following five key themes:
- playful destination
- connected foreshore
- resilient coast
- enhanced natural environment
- collaborative and engaging processes.
Through these key themes, the Masterplan shapes future development to provide a more attractive, accessible, safe and sustainable foreshore.
The foreshore is a key public asset and already much loved by the Hastings community as a focal point for leisure, water activities and community gatherings. The Masterplan supports and enhances the qualities already found and loved.
The Masterplan also addresses some challenges, such as the Fred Smith Reserve being used as landfill in the 1970s and 80s. Additionally, the foreshore is a low-lying coastal area, and much of it could flood during bad storms and king tides, making it vulnerable to coastal hazards such as rising sea levels and erosion.
To learn more and view the Hastings Foreshore Masterplan visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/hastingsforeshore.
Coastal and marine management must be in accordance with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and is guided by the Marine and Coastal Policy (2020) and Strategy (2022).
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
"This Masterplan gives us an opportunity to balance the cultural, social, environmental and economic values of this area. Thank you to everyone who provided your feedback last year."
Quote attributable to Cerberus Ward Councillor Lisa Dixon:
"Throughout the consultations in 2022, we heard your concerns and worked hard to adjust the Plan to suit your needs, like moving the pump track further up north and improving pedestrian access to the foreshore. We are proud of this Masterplan and hope the Hastings community are too."
