Fisho’s warning

Accident fears ramp up

CONCERNED locals fear it’s only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured at Torquay’s Fisherman’s Beach boat ramp, as more people are seen ignoring warning signs and sitting on the busy launch site.

Fisherman’s Beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every summer. The beach is also a popular spot for fishermen and boat enthusiasts, who use the ramp to launch boats and jet skis.

But, according to concerned locals, the boat ramp is also a popular spot for people to sit on, setting up sun tents and allowing their children to play along the vehicle path.

In a post to the popular Surf Coast Community Noticeboard Facebook group, James Brandt voiced his concerns over people on the boat ramp.

“It’s only a matter of time, with our popularity as a destination for holiday-makers before a child is killed at that boat ramp,” he wrote.

“People are literally pitching shade tents right where you need to launch, it’s getting ridiculous.

“It’s only going to take a parent to take an eye off a kid running around as someone is backing up, and bang.”

The area of beach is managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC).

Its coastal reserves manager, Caleb Hurrell, said the rising reports of people along the boat ramp was worrying.

“It’s very concerning seeing people setting up for a day at the beach on a working boat ramp, ignoring the signs,” he said.

Mr Hurrell said there would be increased patrols along the beach by GORCC rangers, their goal would be to educate rather than fine those ignoring warning signs.