Further Themes Emerging from Early Engagement - May 2026

Early engagement for the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park Master Plan included an online survey, followed by guest and community drop-in sessions.

While many themes raised through the drop-in sessions aligned with what was already shared in the survey summary, these sessions added important local insight, particularly about how people experience the park day to day and what they expect to be carefully considered in the future.

Many participants in the visitor drop‑in sessions were long‑term or regular users of the park, providing particularly strong insight into the park’s traditions, long‑standing use and camping culture, and what people are most keen to protect. This feedback is considered alongside broader analysis, which helps inform an understanding of the experiences and needs of first‑time or less frequent visitors.

What the drop-in sessions added or clarified

Listening post discussions highlighted several areas that were either less prominent in the survey or expressed much more strongly in face‑to‑face conversations:

• Strong connection to the park’s current character and feel

People consistently described the park as a low‑key, informal place that fits naturally into the foreshore and the everyday life of Mallacoota. There was clear caution about changes that could make the park feel more built‑up, commercial, or different from what people value now.

• Everyday use and practical issues

Participants talked in detail about how the park works in practice, including arrival and check‑in, traffic movement, dust, drainage, parking, and how people get around the park with caravans, boats and multiple vehicles. This feedback highlights the importance of addressing practical, on‑the‑ground issues alongside longer‑term planning.

• How shared spaces are used

The listening posts highlighted the importance of shared and communal spaces for everyday use, informal gatherings and social connection. People want these spaces to work better for both visitors and the Mallacoota community, while remaining simple and in keeping with the park’s relaxed character.

• Stronger caution around built form and scale

While survey responses reflected a range of views, listening post discussions showed stronger local concern about increases in permanent or visually noticeable buildings, particularly near the foreshore. This reinforced the view that if new or changed built form is explored in future options, it should be carefully thought through in terms of scale, location, overall impact, and the clear benefit it delivers.

• Recognition of First Nations cultural values

Some participants highlighted the cultural significance of the site and the importance of recognising and respecting First Nations connection to Country as part of future planning. This included expectations around protecting cultural values and considering how cultural information might be shared with visitors in an appropriate and respectful way, informed by further engagement.

• Keeping the park open and easy to move through

People placed strong value on the park feeling open and welcoming. Concerns were raised about things like gates, fencing or barriers that could make the park feel closed off or separate from the town and foreshore.

• Managing shared‑space behaviour

New issues were raised around how shared spaces are used, including dogs, e‑bikes and e‑scooters, and how behaviour is managed to balance enjoyment for visitors with safety and everyday use by locals.

• The park as part of the town

Listening post feedback clearly described the park as part of the wider Mallacoota foreshore and community, not just a place for visitors to stay. People talked about walking through the park, using it daily, and how it connects with the town and surrounding foreshore.

How this feedback will be used

Insights from the drop-in sessions build on the earlier survey findings and form part of the early evidence base for the Master Plan. They help highlight where broad themes need more careful consideration, where local impacts matter most, and what questions need to be clearly answered as future options are explored.

No decisions have been made at this stage. These insights will help shape the guiding principles and options tested through the draft Master Plan, which will be released publicly for review and feedback before any final decisions are considered.