Cosy Corner Timber Seawall Upgrade
STAGE TWO
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and respect the separate and distinct Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Peoples as Traditional Owners of the Great Ocean Road’s land, waters, seas and skies and acknowledge their cultural knowledge that has led to sustainable practices and has cared for Country over tens of thousands of years.
We honour Elders past and present and express gratitude for their sharing of wisdom that has ensured the continuation of Culture and Traditional practices.
We are committed to genuinely partner and meaningfully build relationships that reflect self-determination and enable us to work together with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to support the protection of Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices, and together deliver on their broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond.
Wadawurrung Healthy Country Plan
Caring for Country Summary
“We deeply respect our people of the past. Our Elders, children, men, women. We deeply respect their knowledge of Country, water, life, their care of the traditions and of each other, we stand with their spirit. Great spirit told us to take care of the great life within the land. To only take what you need without selfishness. Wadawurrung shared their knowledge of singing, dance, trade, camps, fishing, hunting, paintings, and homes to us to protect for our future generations. We all need to help".
Stephanie Skinner Wadawurrung Traditional Owner 2019
OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITMENT
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) is in an incredibly privileged position to be tasked with protecting and enhancing the Great Ocean Road’s coast and parks on behalf of the community.
The Authority is committed to engaging, listening, respecting and reflecting community and stakeholder views in everything we do, as guided by our Community Engagement Strategy
We’re committed to being transparent and open with our communities and building and deepening relationships grounded in reciprocity and trust. Through various channels, opportunities, and engagement spaces, we invite feedback, robust discussion, and reflection to strengthen our connections and common purpose.
We aim to build on these conversations to better understand what the Surf Coast and visitor community value about the coast to ensure that our management decisions best reflect community values and sentiment.
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT OUTLINE
Community input is being sought into a plan to replace the deteriorated timber seawall at Cosy Corner in Torquay.
We are upgrading the 160-metre-long timber seawall, which extends from the toilet block to the access ramp towards Point Danger, as shown in Figure 1.
The hardwood timber seawall has been rebuilt or repaired several times since its foundations were first built in the 1950s and rebuilt in the mid-1990s.
The structure has deteriorated since an erosion event in March 2022, which significantly lowered the sand level and further exposed it to the impacts of the ocean.
Rock bags were placed on site last year as a temporary measure. We are now planning an upgrade of the seawall, with the support of a Victorian Government Coastal Erosion Preparedness grant.
The project aims to increase Cosy Corner's resilience and better protect it against coastal hazards, which are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude due to climate change.
Our coastal hazard study area for this project is from Point Danger to Yellow Bluff.
Our approach will follow the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast –Adapting for 2100+ guidelines.
This report shares the high-level findings from our Cosy Up stage two community engagement that will support the development of the Cosy Corner Timber Seawall Upgrade. Conducted by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority), the engagement ran from 28 March to 3 May, 2024.
The purpose of this stage of engagement was to ensure coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning is underpinned by place-based values and a shared vision and objectives. This includes Wadawurrung assertions for Country, the Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 vision, and stakeholder and community aspirations.
Section one of this report provides an overview of the seawall upgrade project.
Section two of this report provides detail on how we engaged during stage 2 of the project and who we heard from.
Section three of this report provides a summary of what we heard in relation to community values, coastal hazards awareness and the perceived need for coastal adaption and community aspirations for Cosy Corner moving forward.
Section four of this report provides clear direction on next steps for the project and engagement.
Further information on the project and upcoming engagement opportunities are available on our Cosy Up Have Your Say page.
Figure 1. Cosy Corner Timber Seawall Aerial Photo.
The aim at stage two of the framework is to ensure coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning is underpinned by place-based values and a shared vision and objectives, as per Figure 2.
While there are many steps involved in coastal hazard adaptation planning, understanding local knowledge and values of our coastline is at the heart of the process, as per Figure 3.
HOW WE ENGAGED
The Cosy Corner Timber Seawall Upgrade stage two community engagement was nicknamed Cosy Up and was active for a total of five weeks from 28 March to 3 May, 2024.
Our engagement was informed by pre-engagement meetings with representatives from Friends of Cosy Corner and also the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
The design of our engagement focused on capturing community values and aspirations along this unique and highly valued section of coast, and hearing from community about their knowledge of coast hazards and wiliness for adaptation at Cosy Corner.
The engagement had a multi-faceted approach, which included our Have Your Say webpage, site signage, onsite activities, social media engagement, print media and an 18 question community values and coastal hazards survey.
We integrated community values into our engagement by asking:
• What do you value about Cosy Corner?
• How would you finish this sentence? “Cosy Corner is special because…”
• What activities do you enjoy doing at Cosy Corner?
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section three What We Heard – Site Use and Community Values section of this report.
We checked in on local knowledge of coastal hazards and the perceived need for coastal adaption, by asking those we engaged with to:
• Rate their understanding of coastal hazards (i.e. erosion, inundation, cliff collapses).
• Provide us with examples of how they have seen coastal hazards impact Cosy Corner.
• Tell us if they agree work is required to prepare for and recover from future coastal hazards.
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section three What We Heard - Coastal Hazard Awareness and Adaptation Appetite section of this report.
We sought to understand community aspirations and priorities for the future of Cosy Corner by asking:
• In twenty years’ time what would you like Cosy Corner to be?
Our work now to confirm local aspirations and values provides us with a strong foundation for strategic coastal hazard risk management and adaptation and directly informs the scope of work in future stages.
Further information on our approach and links to relevant policies and frameworks including our Coastal Adaptation Explainer and Seven Stages of Coastal Adaptation Plans videos can be found at our Cosy Up Have Your Say page.
• Are there any specific sites, assets or values you would like to see prioritised in the timber seawall upgrade?
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section three What We Heard - Community Priorities and Key Themes section of this report.
Figure 2: Victoria’s Resilient Coast - Adapting for 2100+ framework stages.
Figure 3. Desired engagement outcomes of coastal adaptation planning
HOW WE ENGAGED ONLINE
The Cosy Up Have Your Say page recorded 459 site visits, with 105 contributors and 40 followers signing up during the five week engagement period.
As shown in Figure 5, 46% of site traffic to our Have Your Say page was direct (i.e. via QR codes from site signage) and 38% came via social media.
40% of visitors to our Have Your Say page completed more than one action/activity.
The Have Your Say page housed critical project information including explainer videos, downloadable resources and project specifics, as well as engagement activities, such as our online survey, vox-pop, interactive map and registration and information about our onsite activities.
HOW WE ENGAGED SITE SIGNAGE
Cosy Up
CORNER TIMBER SEAWALL GRADE
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority are developing an adaptation plan and design for the timber seawall at Cosy Corner in Torquay We're engaging with beach users, community members and other key stakeholders to help inform the seawall upgrade.
THE NEED FOR A COASTAL ADAPTATION PLAN
The timber seawall has deteriorated, prompting the need to upgrade it This will increase Cosy Corner's resilience and better protect it against coastal hazards
WHAT DO YOU WANT IN THE SEAWALL UPGRADE? HAVE YOUR SAY
Community values and local knowledge are at the heart of the adaptation planning process. What you tell us will help in confirming coastal values and tailoring adaptation options for the seawall upgrade
Scan the QR code to find out when we will be hosting education and information sessions, complete a short survey or sign-up for updates.
Figure 5. Webpage site traffic by source.
A total of 94 online surveys were completed via the Have Your Say page and the survey attracted a user rating of four out of five stars, with more than 70% of respondents rating the survey four stars or above.
Ten large signs were temporarily placed across seven locations for the duration of the engagement, providing site visitors (including those over the Easter long weekend, school holidays and Anzac Day) with a brief project overview and QR code directing them to the Cosy Up Have Your Say page.
Figure 7. Site signage locations.
Figure 6. Site signage.
Figure 4. Cosy Up Have Your Sage page
HOW WE ENGAGED ONSITE ACTIVITIES
HOW WE ENGAGED
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Cosy Up ‘walk and talks’ and community information sessions engaged with 24 community members across seven sessions, with three held on 17 April, two on 24 April and two sessions on 1 May 2024.
Our onsite engagement connected us with Friends of Cosy Corner, Life Saving Victoria staff, WTOAC staff, local surf instructors, former staff of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, representatives of the wind/kite surfing community and a family of three sisters who have been connected to Cosy Corner for over seventy years.
During the five-week engagement period, we published four posts on the Authority's Facebook feed and one on our LinkedIn account, which together garnered 24,980 social media impressions—23,924 from Facebook and 966 from LinkedIn. This helped us reach members of the community who couldn’t attend our onsite sessions.
Figure 8. Cosy Up social media posts.
HOW WE ENGAGED PRINT MEDIA
At the start of our engagement period, we issued a targeted media release to all local news outlets to promote the timber seawall upgrade. This resulted in a front-page story and a page 10 article in the Surf Coast Times, followed by a letter to the editor published in the next edition.
Figure 9. Media mentions in the Surfcoast Times
WHO WE HEARD FROM
Our onsite engagement connected us to 24 community members, stakeholders and beach users who each provided valuable insight into the value and community aspiration for Cosy Corner. Over the course of the five-week engagement, Authority staff were onsite more than ten times to observe beach users and coastal processes and engage with some wonderful people, including but not limited to:
• WTOAC staff.
• Friends of Cosy Corner.
• Surf Life Saving Victoria staff.
• Local surf instructors.
• Former staff of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee.
• Representatives of the wind/kite surfing community.
• Three sisters who attended three different engagement activities, all of whom have been connected to Cosy Corner for over seventy years.
The online survey on our Cosy Up Have Your Say page was completed 94 times and provided us with both qualitative and quantitative data to support the learnings from our in-person engagement.
Of the 94 people who completed the 18-question online survey:
• Over half visited Cosy Corner multiple times a week.
• More than 70% of respondents had been connected to Cosy Cosy for more than 10 years, with almost one in five respondents having been connected for 50 years of more, as per Figure 10.
• The median age of the survey respondents was 55-59 years old.
• More than 75% of respondents were Torquay locals.
• Almost 60% of respondents had not previously been involved in an engagement process run by the Authority.
Figure 10. Survey respondents’ connection to Cosy Corner by years.
Most Valued - More than 80% of survey respondents told us they value Cosy Corner for its recreation opportunities, safety and accessibility, and its natural landscape.
Recreation Opportunities
Cosy Corner offers a natural playground for recreational enthusiasts of all experience levels, ages, and abilities. It also attracts those who come to relax, enjoy the scenery, or socialise, as illustrated by Figure 12 and the comments below.
As survey respondents describe it, Cosy Corner’s unique landscape and natural features provide:
WHAT WE HEARD SITE USE AND VALUE
Cosy Corner is one of the most highly utilised and treasured beaches on the Surf Coast, valued for its recreational opportunities, natural beauty, cultural and environmental values, close proximity to Torquay, protection from rough seas and usually safe conditions for people or all ages and abilities.
The purpose of our stage two engagement was to confirm local aspirations and values at Cosy Corner.
Below we have listed what survey respondents said they valued about Cosy Corner.
We have grouped values together with others of similar significance to survey respondents into most valued, highly valued and valued categories, and have also listed individual values in the order which they were ranked, as per Figure 11.
Cosy Corner
“It feels like a holiday destination but is right here in our town"
“A beautiful place to swim a distance in a relative[ly] safe environment.”
“The premium spot for wind sports on the Surf Coast.”
“It’s a gathering spot and hub for numerous activities with something for short and distance swimmers, surfers, wind surfers, hikers, or families and friends who want to catch up.”
“It’s the perfect place for young families to swim.”
* Note activities were based off WAVE 5 – Marine and Coastal Community Attitudes and Behavior Report and did not include Wind/Kite Surfing however it was listed eight times under the “Other” activity option. We will include these activities in future surveys.
Figure 11. What survey respondents value about Cosy Corner.
Figure 12. Activities survey respondents enjoy doing at Cosy Corner.
During the engagement period we heard from numerous members of the wind and kite surfing community who told us that Cosy Corner is “a massive wing foiling, kite surfing & windsurfing mecca for the locals and tourists alike”. Cosy Corner can be enjoyed by a few or can also accommodate large groups, including school groups, local surf schools and outdoor education groups. It also hosts events such as surf lifesaving carnivals. In warmer months and on school and public holidays, crowds flock to Cosy Corner and spread out across the beach, the grassy area and under the shade of the trees.
One survey respondent explained that Cosy Corner is
“one of the world’s best windsurfing spots, calm take off zone below Point Danger and a surf break not used by surfers… kite surfers and now wing foilers are enjoying the same great area”.
Noting from the outset that access points need to be improved in the timber seawall upgrade, we learned about the diverse activities that can be accessed and enjoyed at Cosy Corner and the community value of a shelter beach that offers protection for bad weather and surf conditions. Authority staff were also onsite during the engagement period to observe different users accessing the beach in different ways, including:
• A group of people fishing off the end of the timber seawall at high tide.
• School groups filing down from the car park and on to the beach at low tide.
• A community of avid windsurfers/kiteboarders who accessing Point Danger from the top car park via the timber steps and informally at the end of the timber seawall.
• Groups of ocean swimmers congregating on the grass above the seawall at different points throughout the day before heading into the ocean for their swim.
• Young families, the elderly and other people with additional access needs accessing the beach via the ramp.
“It’s so sheltered and more accessible for me as I do not have great mobility.”
“A safe place to access the ocean and enjoy the beach, even when the sea is angry.”
“A safe beach for children, older adults and people with a disability who love the water.”
“Everyone can enjoy themselves there - it’s a beach for all.”
The love and appreciation of the natural landscape is a value we consistently heard from survey respondents and during our onsite engagement. People genuinely appreciate the natural beauty of Cosy Corner and are keen for this to be maintained into the future. We heard people value being able to access the beach in an environment where they can appreciate the vista of the headland, the natural vegetation and witness the dynamic forces of nature.
“It has a beautiful backdrop and with the slope of the land does not feel like a suburban setting.”
“It is a beautiful mostly unspoiled natural playground enabling healthy lifestyle, social interaction and mental well-being.”
“… it’s sheltered, it’s accessible, it’s beautiful, it’s very much loved, it’s natural - it’s the cosy vibe.”
“…fresh air with an ever-changing backdrop and the relaxing sounds of rhythmic water movementsomething for pretty well everyone.”
“It is a naturally beautiful meeting place for community to come together.”
“It is a very special natural beach environment that has a huge connection to the township of Torquay.”
The Natural Landscape
Highly Valued - More than 40% of survey respondents told us they value Cosy Corner for its community connection and small town vibes, healthy ecosystems and environmental values.
Community Connection
Cosy Corner is a special place for many people and has been a natural gathering spot for families, friends and the community for a very long time.
For many who know Cosy Corner, it is a big part of their daily life. As shown in Figure 12, more than 50% of survey respondents told us they visit Cosy Corner multiple times a week and over 10% of respondents told us they visit daily.
“…a very important group to all of its members. It is a social group, inclusive and welcoming to all. Its members are regular users and are committed to the importance and upkeep of this beautiful part of the world.”
With over 50% of survey respondents having been connected to Cosy Corner for over 20 years we also heard from people who learnt to swim at Cosy Corner as a child and have now taught their own children and grandchildren to swim and/or surf at Cosy Corner.
Community connection is also visible through the presence and conversations with members of Friends of Cosy Corner – described by one survey respondent as:
We have heard from people who have been married at
“It has a special energy, is a true meeting place for families and community.”
“I feel especially connected to it through the history of our family, our children and now our grandchildren. Beautiful to see and be part of it.”
“I have visited the beach for 50 years. I married my husband there and feel a connection to family.”
who
the
“It’s where I gather with my friends and family, to swim regularly, to celebrate special occasions… to enjoy each day and be thankful for the beautiful space that it is.”
“It is an all-age space from babies learning to love water and ocean to very elderly walking dogs and having opportunistic social interaction.” (*noting dogs not permitted on beach)
Healthy Ecosystem & Environmental Values
We have heard a general appreciation for the natural environment and the flora and fauna of Cosy Corner adding to the magic and value of this unique stretch of coastline.
The ocean swimmers shared with us the vibrant marine life they encounter beneath the water at Point Danger. The kiteboarders spoke about the bird life they share the sky with. Additionally, the moonahs and Norfolk pines were frequently mentioned.
A representative of the Friends of Cosy Corner and a local surf instructor told us about the presence of native bush rats and possums living amongst the vegetation between the seawall and the top carpark telling us, “This is their home too”.
“It is a protected safe beach with beautiful Norfolk Island pines, indigenous stands of moonah and lovely grass areas.”
“There are regular birds and migrating birds, an extremely healthy reef with rays and fish and occasionally dolphins. What’s not to love!”
Cosy Corner and
have also celebrated
life of family and friends at Cosy Corner.
Figure 13. How often survey respondents visit Cosy Corner.
Above: Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes)
Valued - More than 30% of survey respondents told us they value Cosy Corner for its significant local heritage or historical sites, Wadawurrung values and Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Cultural Value and Local Heritage
The presence of and appreciation for both cultural values and local heritage was visible during our community engagement with people frequently referencing the moonah tree, noting its significance to the Wadawurrung Peoples. We also heard about the historical importance of the timber groynes, the old bluestone wall and even the observation post/bunker built into the Point Danger headland and manned by volunteers to spot submarines during wartime.
Cosy Corner and surrounds also plays host to community events such as the Torquay Anzac Day Dawn Service and more recently the Pilk Purriyn truth telling event on 26 January, led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
During our community engagement we heard from a veteran who told us that they thought Cosy Corner was home to a “truly significant ANZAC memorial”.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority was proud to support the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Pilk Purriyn truth-telling events taking place at sunrise on 26 January, 2024.
We are committed to genuinely partner and meaningfully build relationships with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, through this project, to support the protection of Country, and the continuation of spiritual and cultural practices.
Pilk Purriyn means “sunrise” in Wadawurrung language, and the event is held at Cosy Corner, Torquay at 5:30am to symbolise the dawning of a new era of understanding and reconciliation between all people.
With thousands of people attending the event over the last two years, it’s a unique opportunity for First Nations and non-First Nations people to gather and acknowledge the history of our nation.
Above: An aerial view of the Anzac Memorial at Cosy Corner
Above: Pilk Purriyn Truth Telling Ceremony on 26 January, 2024 at Cosy Corner Image credit: Ferne Millen Photography
WHAT WE HEARD COASTAL HAZARD AWARENESS AND ADAPTATION APPETITE
Coastal hazards are a reality for Great Ocean Road communities. With the frequency and magnitude of these hazards expected to rise with climate change, it's important for us to work together and plan for how these hazards will affect our communities and the way we use our coastlines.
While there are many steps involved in coastal hazard adaptation, exploring and understanding community knowledge and values of our coastline are at the heart of the process. As a part of our stage two community engagement we asked survey respondents to:
• Rate their understanding of coastal hazards (i.e. erosion, inundation, cliff collapses) that impact the Victorian Coast.
• Provide examples of how they have witnessed the impact of coastal hazards at Cosy Corner.
• Tell us if they agree work if required to prepare for and recover from future coastal hazards impacting Cosy Corner.
• This section of the report will explore responses relating to coastal hazard awareness and adaptation planning from those who we met with onsite as well as those who completed the online survey.
This high level of knowledge of coastal hazards was reinforced by survey respondents, with more than two thirds of respondents providing examples of how they have witnessed coastal hazards impacting Cosy Corner.
They told us they had seen significant changes to the beach in recent years through short term erosion and sand loss/movement. High tides and storm swells have changed the profile of the beach and ocean floor, damaged timber groynes and the timber seawall, and impacted the embankment and access points.
“Loss of sand, damage to sea wall, damage to steps, run off water from shower causing erosion, degradation of nearby groynes.”
“Staircases and paths not able to be accessed making it difficult to get down to the beach.”
“Easterly winds and swells, espe- cially with high tides, remove large volumes of beach sand and under- cut exposed shores.”
“Last year especially I noticed the movement of sand, the extreme high tides and the large number of rocks … never seen anything like it over the 25 plus years I have been swimming at Cosy.”
Longer term erosion was also cited with the continued loss of the headland. Many respondents spoke of the impact of a rising sea level in exacerbating the impact of coastal hazards in recent years and into the future.
“The point is greatly changed since my childhood much erosion has occurred.”
“Sea level rise is negatively impacting the beach and cliffs.”
“Extreme variations in sand movement has occurred from tide to tide, day to day and all throughout the year. This seems especially so in the last three years.”
“Incredible sea level rise in 2023 with massive incoming tides, huge sand shifts and sudden increase and decrease of rocks along the timber seawall impacting access, hollowing out of soil and grass above the seawall and increase erosion of land at the end of the southern wall at the base of Point Danger.”
Figure 14: Level of understanding of coastal hazards that impact the Victorian coast (self-reported).
Figure 15: Perceived need for coastal risk management and adaptation planning.
Sixty-eight per cent of survey respondents then went on to list specific sites, assets or values they would like to see prioritised in the current coastal adaptation project. The upgrade of the timber seawall is captured in the next section of this report, but there were also a number of responses - captured in the comments belowthat offer local wisdom and sound advice on coastal adaptation planning.
“It should be a long-term solution, and if not exactly what local people expect, then it has to be explained well.”
“We need to consider controlled retreat and allow natural processes find an equilibrium.”
“My advice would be to do it once, do it right and it will last a lifetime.”
“I'd suggest if significant changes have to made, they be done in sequential stages if possible, so that people’s experiences and expectations can keep up with the changes… information sessions will have to be managed with diligence, great care and patience. Actually I've experienced those qualities at each of the coastal pop-ups I've recently attended, (Rocky Point and Cosy Up), thankyou.”
“The timber seawall shouldn’t be looked at in isolation if you’re going to modify that you should have a plan for the whole beach from Point Danger to Yellow Bluff as it’s all connected.”
WHAT WE HEARD COMMUNITY PRIORITIES AND KEY THEMES
A key element of our community engagement was hearing what site users wanted for the future of Cosy Corner, both as part of the timber seawall upgrade, for future projects and for the long-term management of the site.
Local aspirations and values provide a strong foundation for strategic coastal hazard risk management and adaptation and directly inform the scope of work, including decision making, actions, implications and priorities at future stages of this project.
How stakeholders and community use the coast and how would they like to use the coast now and in the future are key considerations for the project. With this in mind, we posed the following questions to our community onsite and in-person.
• What would you like to Cosy Corner to be in twenty years’ time?
• Are there specific sites, assets or values you would like to see prioritised in the timber seawall upgrade? Responses to these questions are detailed below by category and form the community aspiration section of this report and for stage two of this project. The later part of this section also captures suggestions for how best to upgrade the timber seawall, what users would like to see included in this upgrade and what issues need to be resolved in the upgrade.
The same (if not better)
When we asked people ‘what would you like to Cosy Corner to be in twenty years’ time?’, the overwhelming response was “the same”, “still here”, “just as it is now” and “as it is”. We heard many community members who access Cosy Corner would like “the beach preserved as it is” and are keen for there to be “as minimal as possible changes.”
Naturally underdeveloped with improved natural values
In line with the values identified as important to Cosy Corner users earlier in this report, there was a strong desire to keep the site underdeveloped and increase the natural values of the site into the future. Suggestions included:
“Moonahs actively protected from public damage and all plantings retained.”
“Keeping it natural and matching the aesthetic of the natural surroundings.”
“As pristine and natural as possible. not overpopulated or crowded.”
“It’s getting harder to see the night stars every few months with all the ‘building’ that’s occurring. Limit the use of lights.”
“Maintain natural look and feel of headland - don’t over manage the space.”
“Brought back to a more natural environment with more trees, allowance for the sand dunes and native coastal trees (moonah) to re-establish.”
“I love the fact that it is still preserved from development. There are a lot of beautiful trees, shelter & wooden tables. Please keep this area simple.”
“Grass completely degrades during summer- need something to address erosion of soil by overuse.”
Other respondents favoured a more formalised space, including paths to manage the flow of people from the carpark to the beach, providing greater protection to the natural vegetation. Similar upgrades that could be implemented with minimal impact on natural values were also suggested.
Improved Access for All
Throughout stage two of our community engagement, improving access was identified as a critical opportunity in upgrade of the timber seawall. There was a desire to maintain and enhance access for the diversity of groups and abilities who use Cosy Corner.
This includes:
“Any developments that significantly restrict … three very different uses, (families, all kinds of board users, educational groups), should be avoided if possible.”
“I would like to see the access to Cosy be significantly upgraded. The current access near the toilet block is way too small to accommodate the number of people that want to reach the beach.”
“Better access for small children and people with mobility issues.”
“Better access to cosy corner at the Point Danger area. Current set of stairs are inadequate.”
“It would be great for the beach access point to take in consideration large groups and larger surf craft (big surfboards and kayaks). A wide access point would be great please.”
“Still able to be safely used by a range of groups for swimming, kitesurfing, surfing, boogie boarding, picnicking and meeting up with people with coastal views preserved.”
“Safe and all ability access to beach.. Parking issues addressed and traffic and walking public separated.”
We were also pleased to engage with the local kite-boarding/wind-surfing community in our in-person engagement and also through our online survey. Our conversations revealed a unique insight into how this community uses the informal access at the Point Danger end of the timber seawall structure:
“At the southern end of the wall looking towards Point Danger there is a set of rock stairs that lead to the beach. All of the water sports participants use this area to get their equipment down to the water. As there are no handrails, it makes it easier to negotiate the large equipment down to the water in one go. Please ensure we still have simple access to the water for our sport.”
“Please take into account in your planning that windsurfers and foilers need to be able to access the beach safely and easily. We need access to the beach carrying bulky equipment. This is especially vital during high tide periods. Single steps do not allow enough room/access. Please be sure to engage with some local windsurfers/kiters/SUP riders around how they access the breaks such as Supertubes and Minitubes via Cosy Corner.”
Shower design and drainage
We heard there are existing issues with drainage from the shower and run-off from the lower carpark that has exacerbated erosion at the site and should be addressed in the design of the timber seawall upgrade. At the same time, users are calling for a much-needed upgrade to the single shower with only one shower head currently servicing the whole beach and all its users. Users would like to see additional showers installed with multiple shower heads per unit to better serve the existing need.
“One shower head for every beach user?! There should be a shower/tap installation that caters for more than one person at a time. The platform area and drainage should also be improved.”
“Drainage issues at shower and car park fixed.”
Seawall Design & Materials
“User-friendly shower and wash off area to cope with constant use especially during holiday periods. Drainage issues at shower and car park fixed.”
“Additional outdoor showers would be great.”
We also appreciate that Surf Life Saving Victoria provided a written submission outlining their requirements for improved beach access to support them servicing Cosy Corner over the summer months into the future.
Acknowledgement of Culture Heritage
In line with valuing Aboriginal culture and recognising that Cosy Corner is a place of importance for Wadawurrung People, both survey respondents and attendees at our walk and talks raised the idea of including some form of Aboriginal art or formal recognition of our First Nations People’s continued connection to and stewardship of land Country and sea Country at Cosy Corner.
This project will be working with Wadawurrung to understand, acknowledge and act up their rights and assertions. Part of this commitment is engaging WTOAC to conduct a cultural heritage values assessment at Cosy Corner to support the protection of Country, and the continuation of spiritual and cultural practices. “Any upgrade to the Cosy Corner wall should include Indigenous coastal art forms plus more native vegetation along space between the wall and carpark to protect the wall in the future.”
“… it could be nice to include some stories or artwork from Wadawurrung… it could be special to mark the historic and current importance of this spot for the community and tradition owners.”
We heard the Cosy Corner community and users put forward a range of suggestions for how the timber seawall should be upgraded and that they value the conversations that have been had and will be had around these different approaches.
In addition to the suggestions listed below, we have had discussions with and received a written submission from Surf Life Saving Victoria to understand their access and design requirements. We have also had discussions with Friends of Cosy Corner about adaptation options and discussed options implemented at other sites across Australia as examples of how these may or may not work.
“Why not consider large "engineered" stones to form a series of steps, following the gradient of the land, leading down to the sand.”
“I would like to see at staggered rock wall installed 45 degrees from the top of the timber wall sloping down to the sand with large car wheel sized rocks.”
“More seating on the wall. More steps for access.”
“Extension of the bluestone seawall at both ends of front beach. Been there since I was a kid in the ‘70s and still going strong. Obvious solution.”
“Prevent a steep drop off as some kid will run down hill and not be able to stop and fall onto rocks below.”
Suggestions and community input of this nature are vitally important to this project. These conversations will form part of our future planning as we progress through stages 3-5 of the process and undertake assessments and explore adaptation options (see framework on page 10).
Please refer to the Next Steps section of this report for further information about future engagement.
Above: Photo of informal access point utilised by wind surfing community, shared with us via survey respondent.
OTHER FEEDBACK
During our engagement about the Cosy Corner Timber Seawall Upgrade community, users and visitors also shared with us feedback on other matters that fall outside the scope of this project. We have shared key ones below.
We value when people take the time to share their feedback with us and want to assure you that it is heard and passed on.
Amenity Block Upgrade and Rock Wall/Stairs
Adjacent to the Cosy Corner timber seawall there is a large amenity block separate to the timber seawall upgrade. Survey respondents highlighted the need for improvements, private shower and changing facilities, hot showers and better all abilities access and facilities.
Similarly, survey respondents called for repairs and improvements to the bluestone seawall and stairs adjacent to the timber seawall, which are currently cordoned off to public access to manage safety whilst we await funding and approval to carry out the required works.
No Dogs
Cosy Corner is classified as a "No Dogs Allowed" are through Surf Coast Shire Council's dog regulations.
Survey respondents shared with us that dogs are seen accessing the beach at Cosy Corner and the impact this has on amenity, values and enjoyment of the area.
We have shared this feedback with Surf Coast Shire Council.
Appreciation of / frustration with the Authority
Most people we engaged with appreciated the opportunity to hear about the planned upgrade to the timber seawall at Cosy Corner as a part of our work to increase resilience along the Great Ocean Road, there was, however also a small number of respondents who were critical of the Authority.
“A great big thank you for your generous efforts to be consultative and informative.”
“Just want to say, keep up the good work!”
“Thank you for asking for community input.”
“So happy that there is community consultation.”
“Absolutely no confidence in GORCAPA. An uninvited, bureaucratic nightmare.”
“In twenty years’ time I would like Cosy Corner to be... under new management … office full of bureaucrats that spoke hip environmental speak.”
We encourage anyone to contact us about matters relating to Great Ocean Road coast and parks at info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au or 1300 736 533
NEXT STEPS
This report
This report, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions we received during our community engagement period, will be published on the Cosy Up Have Your Say page. We will also promote via the Authority’s social media and traditional media channels.
This report, along with the full data set from our stage two engagement will not only inform the timber seawall upgrade but is also available to inform other relevant projects at the Authority, such as future master planning.
Planning for the timber seawall upgrade
Our approach to the timber seawall upgrade follows the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ framework and guidelines.
As we progress this project, all the local knowledge shared with us through stage two of our community engagement will provide a foundation for confirming coastal values and objectives, coastal processes, and tailoring adaptation options.
For example, stages three and four of this project will build off this foundational work, with place-based values and aspirations embedded in the hazard exposure, risk and vulnerability assessments.
At stage five, local knowledge, values and aspirations will help inform adaptation options and pathways developed, which will then inform the detailed design for the timber seawall upgrade by the end of 2024.
Upcoming community engagement
We hope you will join us as we launch our next round of engagement and invite you to have your say on the adaptation and design options for the timber seawall upgrade.
For more information on this project and to keep up to date with this project as it develops, please visit www. haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/cosy-up or email us at haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.
