Featuring in national and international tourism campaigns, boatsheds are an iconic symbol of the Mornington Peninsula. Often depicted as a colourful cluster of buildings, they were originally built by members of the community. Each is unique in appearance, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes styles and materials that can date back nearly a century.
The 92 boatsheds of Capel Sound Foreshores form an integral part of the character of the area and are a powerful attraction to campers and visitors. Many of these structures also have historic significance and were originally used by fishing families, local residents to house their boats or holiday makers to store their beach equipment for their annual summer trips.
The permission to ‘lease the Crown Land’ on which boatsheds are located is provided through a licence. This is issued from the land manager (Capel Sound Foreshores) under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. The use, footprint, construction and building fit-out is set out in licence conditions, ensuring broader public access to coastal crown land is not compromised, safety standards are met, and the historic nature of these assets are respected.
Fees from the licence are set to maintain fair and equitable use and are based on a standard rate set within the reserve that reflects the size of the site occupied. Transfers of licences include a transfer fee, annual licence costs and an amount for the structure.
The size and condition of the boatshed have some bearing on the sum that boatsheds change hands for but market pressures and the desirability of a boatshed in a popular area increases the cost for new boatshed owners. Revenue raised is used to maintain and enhance the environment for beach users.
Boatsheds have enabled generations of families and friends to spend extended time on the beach creating a sense of community and stewardship of the area and need to be maintained and protected.
Boatsheds give the owners the privilege of a private built asset with absolute waterfront amenity. As a result, the demand and cost for these relatively rare assets has dramatically increased in recent years. Boatshed buildings can be sold privately or through a real estate agent. Capel Sound Foreshores must approve the licence transfer and levy fees to cover administrative costs.
Boatsheds occupancy is now a mix of local and metropolitan users. There are intergenerational, long term and new licence holders. Maintaining a healthy balance between boatsheds, public access and the coastal environment is important. By effectively communicating the rights and responsibilities of boatshed occupancy Capel Sound Foreshores can ensure boatsheds are within the allocated footprint, safe, well maintained and protected.
Key Documents:
Boatshed and Asbestos Policy Asbestos Management Policy
