3.1 Recreation Torquay surf beach I. Walton Victorians are fortunate to have a legacy of 96 per cent of coastal foreshore in public ownership. Like Australians in general, Victorians have a particular affinity with the coast. Last year almost nine out of every ten Victorians visited the coast at least once (IPSOS, 2007). The coast contributes significantly to the physical and mental wellbeing of Victorians by providing a place to exercise, recreate and unwind. A range of coastal Crown land infrastructure, from stairs and boardwalks to boat ramps and piers, supports access to and recreation on the foreshore and water. The most popular activities when visiting the coast are short walks or strolls, swimming and boogie boarding, and picnicking and relaxing (IPSOS, 2007). Recreational fishing also continues to be a popular attraction, estimated to involve over 550,000 Victorians. As Victoria's population grows, the desire to holiday or visit the coast and our interest in nature-based tourism will continue. Victoria's coastal environment will therefore experience a greater intensity of use. It is critical that coastal planners and managers respond to this increased demand for infrastructure required to access and enjoy our coastal environment in a strategically planned and managed way. Surfer in the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach Geelong Advertiser · Access · Boating · Crown land caravan parks and camping grounds · Coast protection

10 December 2008