Inclusion of All-Abilities Access (AAA) Ramp in St Kilda Pier Redevelopment

St Kilda Beach is one of Victoria’s top five tourism destinations, attracting more than two million people annually. Deep water swimming should be accessible for every visitor.

What is the ask?

Council is requesting the Victorian Government to commit to a AAA Ramp being re-included in the Masterplan designs and delivery schedule for St Kilda Pier.

What is the issue this initiative will address?

Parks Victoria, in partnership with the Department of Transport, has committed to delivering the rebuild of the St Kilda Pier, an iconic tourism destination. 

Council is concerned the project does not adequately cater to people with disability wanting to access the water. The original concept released in 2017 included a AAA ramp. Our understanding is that, due to financial constraints, the AAA ramp was not included in the most recent design.

What is Council proposing?

Council is advocating for the inclusion of an in-water AAA ramp that would provide deep water access to the busiest beach in Victoria for everyone, including people with mobility impairments, disability and older people. This would be enjoyed by visitors from far beyond the St Kilda catchment. 

The project does include widening the main pier deck from 6.1 metres to 7.5 metres, which will better accommodate mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams as well as new accessible toilets, more frequent seating and handrails.

The AAA ramp would complement Council’s adjoining accessible beach matting near the Pier and the Changing Places facility at St Kilda Life Saving Club (maintained by Council).

How does this initiative align with the Council Plan and Victorian Government priorities?

Council

Council Plan 2021-31: Liveable Port Phillip - a city that is a great place to live, where our community has access to high quality public spaces, development and growth are well-managed, and it is safer and easy to connect and travel within.

• We will partner with the Victorian Government to ensure appropriate outcomes for our community are achieved through the redevelopment of St Kilda Pier, Shrine to Sea and other major public infrastructure projects.

Council Plan 2021-31:: Inclusive Port Phillip - a city that is a place for all members of our community, where people feel supported and comfortable being themselves and expressing their identities.

• We will provide delivery of services and programs that support inclusive and accessible activities including people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and people with disability.
• Council is committed to integrating the principles of universal design in council buildings, streets, public spaces and beaches as part of our ongoing capital works program and advocacy on Victorian Government projects.

Victorian Government

This request is consistent with the four pillars of the newly published Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan 2022-2026 and the commitment in the plan that “We want places around Victoria to be accessible so people can visit them when they travel.

Create more inclusive parks so all Victorians can take part in nature. Continue to support and promote accessible tourism to businesses across Victoria.

How does the initiative assist the community to recover from COVID-19?

Persons with disability have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including through social isolation and physical and mental health. The project will provide better access and usability in the public realm providing health and wellbeing benefits to people who require a AAA ramp.

In addition, the project will help to re-stimulate the St Kilda economy, which as a tourist destination has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Cost and current status?

Cost

Council estimates including an in-water AAA ramp will add $1.5 to $2 million to the overall project costs.

Status

While City of Port Phillip has raised this issue at the Community/Stakeholder Reference Group, this project requires Victorian Government commitment and funding.