CGW Masterplan Review Final Sept11.indd - City of Greater Geelong

a
rippleside to griffins gully
Rippleside Park at the northern end of the waterfront sits on an escarpment
and is accesible by car from Bell Parade. A sealed, shared path runs south
along the water’s edge while a second path at the top of the cliff serves
as the footpath along The Esplanade. The waterside path is retained by a
bluestone sea-wall which is generally in good condition. This wall and the
companion bluestone edging to the ramped and stepped asphalt connections
between the higher and lower paths contribute to the distinctive character
of this zone. The lower path enables a direct water's edge experience, set
as it is, just above the water level. In fact the path diverts across the water
on a jetty structure in this stretch of the foreshore; a diversion brought about
by continuing cliff instability and the resulting measures to stabilise the
embankment. The higher path on the eastern side of The Esplanade includes
occasional, diagonal, branching connections from the embankment to the
foreshore path below.
On the embankment there is an informal mix of planted and self sown
vegetation - Wattles, Sheokes, Tamarix, Gorse, Canary Island Date Palms,
native and exotic grasses - forming a plantation which is dense enough to
discourage pedestrian access while the understorey grassing is managed
informally.
There is very little public seating along this section of the waterfront and an
increase in the path width would be desirable. The apron area at Rippleside
Park is somewhat degraded. As with the embankment, this edge of the
park is in need of replanting. Smaller alcoves along the pathway are also
in poor condition. The path, however, is well lit with pole top luminaires at
approximately 30 metre spacings.
This western area has an unpretentious quality that lends it a distinct charm.
This quality provides a contrasting yet complementary experience to the more
active, highly designed, central waterfront area.
The Western Beach Landscape Plan exists for this area and should be
referenced in relation to any landscpae changes.
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Rippleside to Griffins Gully
Recommendations and Specific Actions
• Use to remain passive, public and low impact with direct water access.
• Restrict the growth of existing swing moorings beyond the notional line between Cunningham Pier and Griffi ns Gully Jetty.
• Redevelop foreshore and embankments as recommended in the Western Beach Landscape Plan.
• Limit sea weed accumulation and litter.
CENTRAL GEELONG WATERFRONT MASTERPLAN 2011
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Urban Initiatives