Rippleside beach opens
GEELONG’S Rippleside Beach has opened in time for the city’s Australia Day celebrations today.
Temporary fencing surrounding the beach was removed this week following a $4 million upgrade by the developers of Balmoral Quay in partnership with the State Government.
The sand extends 20m from Rippleside Park to the water, with a 1-in-10 gradient beneath the waves to the natural seabed.
However, the beach will not be patrolled, with swimmers being directed to use Eastern Beach as the nearest area patrolled by lifeguards.
Government officials are also continuing to monitor water quality after the rejuvenation. Rippleside has been one of Port Phillip Bay’s most polluted due to its proximity to industry and Geelong’s saleyards.
Four hundred truckloads of sand was dumped on the beach after an upgrade and extension to the stormwater drain to take suburban run-off 75m into Corio Bay. A 600m waterfront promenade was also constructed, connecting Rippleside Beach to St Helens around the Balmoral Quay development.
St Helens Beach will be re- nourished in the future. A new revetment wall incorporating the pedestrian walkway is designed to provide long-term protection to the shore, while the existing pier has been refurbished as part of the new Balmoral Quay Marina, which will be partially open to the public.
The rejuvenation of the beach, while not part of Balmoral Quay, has become an important selling point for the $100 million residential development taking shape on the former shipyard site adjoining Rippleside Park.
Balmoral Quay development director Scott Miller said the beach at the northern end of the city would change the face of Geelong’s waterfront.
“People will be able to walk all the way from the CBD to Rippleside to take in the sea air and spectacular views of this city by the bay,” he said.
The foreshore improvements were part of Stage 1 townhouse construction at Balmoral Quay.
The 2.7ha site, which runs along 400m of waterfront at the base of Rippleside cliff, presents a rare opportunity for home hunters and has received high interest. Stage 1 and Stage 2 are sold out and Stage 3, comprising 21 luxury townhouses and three waterfront apartments, will be released in February.