Brighton Beach Access Path

This decision was taken because water from approximately 100m² of a shared coastal access path was causing water runoff to wash onto the sides of the track, eroding the sides and moving loose stones and pebbles onto the entry of the path, causing slip and trip issues.  The volume of water was eroding the sand from the entry to the track causing further access issues.

Mitigation works had been undertaken in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, due to the volume of water, the treatments were not successful. The City also installed mounds to redirect the water away from the path and this alleviated this issue somewhat, but it did not stop the slip/trip issue or the erosion of sand from the entry of the track.

Due to there being multiple access points on to the same track, it was decided the section with safety issues would be closed.

The City has acknowledged consultation should have occurred as part of the process and the ideal scenario would be for the community to be part of the conversation from the very beginning.  Despite this, the City is now seeking to understand the importance of the access track to the local neighbourhood and the possible options to enable ongoing safe access.  

Please see the diagram attached for the location of track and the section which has been closed.

No. The beach is still accessible via the adjoining track 17 metres to the north.

No. The path is considered unsafe by the City and cannot be opened prior to risk mitigation works being undertaken. The safety of our community is our priority.

The City will need to address the water runoff issues which caused the original safety concerns. Preliminary assessment indicates this will likely cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

Beach users accessing the track from West Coast Highway, will need to walk 17 metres further to access the adjoining track. Bikes and scooters travelling north move faster at the entry point for the adjoining access track due to the slope of the hill.