Project Update
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the proposed trial closure of the Barrett Street Weir to vehicle traffic during the 2026 peak season.
This matter has now gone to Council, and a resolution has been passed. To read the full Council decision, please view pages 42 to 46. of PUBLIC-OCM-Minutes-28-January-2026.pdf
What We Asked the Community
We sought community feedback on a proposed trial closure of the Barrett Street Weir to vehicle traffic during the 2026 peak season (February to April 2026).
Working in partnership with the Peak Season Community Working Group, we explored ways to better manage the growing pressures that occur during the busiest months of the year.
Our Working Group developed a series of recommended actions for the 2025–26 summer season, as well as a longer-term roadmap to guide more complex management initiatives, such as an overflow campsite.
Throughout this process, we heard consistent concerns about antisocial behaviour and environmental impacts occurring at the Barrett Street Weir during peak season. In response, we considered a trial closure of the Weir to vehicles, so that the benefits and impacts of this approach can be properly assessed before any long-term decision was made.
The proposal involved installing a lockable gate at the entrance to the Barrett Street Weir car park to prevent vehicle access during the trial period. The gate would remain in place from February to April 2026, while the Shire gathers data and community feedback to help evaluate the effectiveness of the closure.
We recognise that many people enjoy and value the Weir, not just those who live nearby, and we want to ensure the wider community has the opportunity to have their say before a decision is taken.
Submissions
Community submissions were accepted until Monday, 12 January 2026 via the online form and hard‑copy options. All feedback has been reviewed and considered as part of the report to Council.
Project Background
Illegal camping and peak season pressures continue to create significant environmental, amenity and safety challenges across the Shire, particularly as our community grows and our region remains a destination of choice for visitors. In response, the Shire is working collaboratively with the community to understand the issues and explore practical ways to manage them.
To support this, we've established a Peak Season Community Working Group made up of local residents who want to play an active role in shaping solutions. Together, the group has developed the Illegal Camping and Peak Season Pressures Community Roadmap, which outlines a coordinated set of actions for the upcoming 2025–26 summer season.
While illegal camping is an important element, the Roadmap recognises that our peak season challenges extend beyond this — ranging from limited coastal parking and increased pressure on public spaces, to antisocial behaviour, environmental impacts, and the broader consequences of peak-season visitation and population growth.
