The future of the
Breamlea General Store
Project overview
Breamlea is an incredibly special coastal village tucked away on the south coast of Victoria, mid-way between Barwon Heads and Torquay. Breamlea is known for its beautiful bush setting, stunning beaches, significance to the Wadawurrung and its small, close-knit community.
In April 2022 the management of the Breamlea coastal reserves transferred from the City of Greater Geelong to Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast). This includes the management of the Breamlea Caravan Park and the on-site Breamlea General Store.
Barwon Coast is committed to working to balance community benefit with responsible management of our resources. Following almost 18 months of operation, Barwon Coast has experienced a significant financial loss from operating the General Store. Due to this loss, we are reviewing options to change the service model to be more financially sustainable while continuing to provide a valuable service to campers, the local community and visitors.
Community consultation
In late 2023 we asked Breamlea residents, campers, Barwon Coast communities and General Store customers to help by providing their thoughts and ideas about the future of the General Store.
We conducted an online survey and held face-to-face staff, community and camper focus groups and workshops to fully understand community and camper priorities.
The objective of the community consultation is to provide Breamlea community members and campers with opportunities to share their thoughts around preferences for service and product provision at the Breamlea General Store. This information will be considered by Barwon Coast Committee of Management in its decision making.
Phase 1: determine community priorities
The first phase of consultation is included an online survey and community, resident and camper Focus Groups. This phase is now complete.
Barwon Coast has reviewed the feedback we have received from the community, spoken to local organisations and stakeholders, and will now work to determine options for the future of the Breamlea General Store.
Phase 2: feedback on options
The second phase of consultation will take place in mid 2024 and involve bringing community and camper Focus Groups back together to discuss and provide feedback around potential options for the future of the Breamlea General Store.
Phase 3: close the loop
In the third phase, expected to take place in mid-to-late 2024, we will let you know the final decision and share a community consultation report, summarising the themes and feedback we received and how they helped shape the final decision.
