THE much anticipated Hastings foreshore sound shell concept has been scrapped due to state government concerns over flooding risks and rising sea levels.
The community-led proposal to build an entertainment sound shell has been part of a revised foreshore precinct for several years, but the plan has been left out of the just-released new Hastings foreshore master plan.
Shire mayor Cr Steve Holland said that while plans for a sound shell were “not supported” by the state government due to the flood risks, there was provision in the master plan for an open events area.
“We have ensured the Hastings foreshore master plan includes a large open area set aside for events such as concerts, markets and community festivals,” he said.
“During our recent consultation with the community on the draft master plan, the concept of a flexible events area was welcomed by the majority of those we spoke to.”
A council drop-in session on an outdoor entertainment structure in 2019 showed widespread support for the sound shell plan, with proponents hoping it could be used for school sports, local events and displays, the Westernport Festival, Carols by Candlelight and other occasional larger scale events.
First published in the Western Port News – 21 December 2022
