Port Fairy East Beach gets $1.2 million for major upgrade

It’s been years in the making but now Port Fairy’s popular east beach is set to receive a huge makeover. See the plans here.

Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith with councillors Damian Gleeson and Karen Foster have given the “thumbs up” to the $1.26 million Port Fairy East Beach upgrade. Picture: Supplied

Port Fairy’s popular east beach has been given a major cash injection which will transform the area to include recreation, barbecue and seating facilities, as well as new toilets.

Moyne Shire received $1.27 million in state funding, and will contribute $450,000 to the project.

Mayor Ian Smith said it would improve safety for pedestrians and accessibility, which had been ongoing concerns of the community.

“The masterplan council adopted reflected the community’s desires for the area and now,

thanks to this funding, we will be able to realise that vision as part of stage one – which will have

long lasting benefits for the community,” said Cr Smith.

The East Beach Masterplan was created in 2018 to maintain a sustainable and functional port for the next 10-15 years.

The beach is considered to be a tourism hotspot with historical significance for the region.

Port Fairy East Beach Masterplan concept designs published in 2019 by Moyne Shire Council, featuring new toilet, recreation, barbecue and seating facilities for east beach upgrade

More concept designs of the plan.

Cr Ian Smith said the upgrade included changes to roads, replacement of toilet and shower facilities, new car parking, recreation areas, barbecue facilities, landscaping and seating.

“These improvements will add to the areas unique beauty and encourage greater use of East

Beach for gatherings of locals and visitors,” he said.

Moyne Shire will complete a final plan and design based on concepts.

Council said the upgrades would meet legislation standards for a number of policies including in the Crown Land Act 1978 and the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.