Foam Street access debate

Phillip Island Nature Parks has defended the decision to dismantle a makeshift access path to the beach at the end of Foam Street in Sunderland Bay.

Laurie Miller, a local resident has complained the closure was unnecessary and accused the Nature Parks of fabricating an erosion issue at the site.

He claims in the 42 years he has lived in the area he has witnessed no erosion and no safety issues at the track.

However a Nature Parks spokesperson said encroachment into natural areas was a serious issue, "because of the risk to public safety and the fragile environment".

"The track at the end of Foam Street was closed in 2002 following a safety signage audit conducted by Life Saving Victoria," the spokesperson said.

"The recent illegal rock and wood construction is dangerous. The official, safe beach access is just 300m from this illegal access.

"Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay have nine official beach access points that are clearly signed with all the relevant safety and regulatory messages. We urge people to use these official access points for their own safety, and to protect flora and fauna."

Nature Parks said the foreshore at the end of Foam Street had never had a formal access track and in 2003 a no access sign was erected.

"The land at the end of Foam Street is part of an important habitat restoration project," the Nature Parks spokesperson explained.

"Many habitats on the island are small and fragmented, and every new track creates another small break in that habitat, leading to weed invasion, erosion and safety issues for unknowing visitors.

"These impacts in a small reserve network create lasting and significant damage, which can take decades to repair."

Mr Miller said locals looked after the local path and beach, and know if it is eroding or not, and claimed trees planted by Nature Parks in the area died after a couple of weeks.

"The foreshore doesn't need 'looking after', it's been looking after itself for millions of years," he stated.

"I'll guarantee nothing has changed along the southern coast for millions of years."

Mr Miller also said having to use other entrances to the beach was difficult for him, as he is in his 80s, and was unable to walk over stones at the other access points. "It hurts my feet."

He said an overseas visitor staying with him recently was fined $240 for using the Foam Street access.

"There's no signage to say it would be illegal, and a penalty will be administered," he said, adding there'd been no change in signage in 62 years.

Mr Miller has also written to the state ombudsman outlining his concerns.

Nature Parks confirmed the fine for encroachment into natural areas managed by both Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council is $204.