Proposed new surf club part of Denmark Shire’s coastal vision for Ocean Beach and Prawn Rock Channel

The Shire of Denmark is investigating the construction of a new surf club as it works on its vision for Ocean Beach and Prawn Rock Channel. The Shire is developing a concept plan for its Ocean to Channel Recreation Precinct, with a focus on issues such as traffic flow, parking, public spaces, environmental impacts, and improved amenities. It is also considering the construction of a new headquarters for the Denmark Surf Life Saving Club. According to the Shire, the future development of Prawn Rock Channel recreational spaces is a crucial part of the planning for the Ocean Beach area and its environment. Existing facilities at the DSLSC were outdated and did not cater for the needs of the club or for growth in the future, the Shire said. The facility lacks storage, has poor training and first aid areas, old change rooms, ablutions and entertainment areas, and issues with emergency access to the beach. In a 2018 Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation plan, the Shire decided the new building should be moved away from the active erosion zone. If a new surf club is built, the existing building and public toilets will be demolished to increase public spaces, with new amenities co-located with the new club. With the public comment period closed, a concept plan is the next key step. Denmark Shire CEO David Schober said they wanted to find the right balance. “It’s such a beautiful part of town, we want to make the facilities safer without changing the face of Denmark to keep that country village feel,” he said. “It’s a case of how do we balance both of these.” Following the call for public feedback, community members flooded the Shire’s online ‘ideas map’ with suggestions for the proposed development. Surfside Ocean Beach Holiday Accommodation said it would be great to see public toilets in the two car parking areas off Ocean Beach Road. Around 13 other people also agreed the addition of more toilets was needed. Other improvement suggestions included revising the dog off-leash exercise area, stairway access to the beach from one of the lookouts and installing a boat ramp at Ocean Beach.