Southern Beaches Plan – Planning a sustainable future
The Southern Beaches Plan will set a shared vision for the future of Dodges Ferry, Lewisham, Carlton, Carlton River and Primrose Sands. It will guide land use, housing, infrastructure, natural hazard management, transport, and the protection of the area’s unique environmental and community values.
The Southern Beaches is one of the most distinctive and valued areas of the Sorell municipality. With a growing community, increasing visitor interest and a natural environment that people deeply care about, this Plan will help Council make clear, future‑focused decisions so the area can continue to thrive.
This project is being led by Sorell Council in partnership with Era Advisory and a broader project team consisting of Playstreet, Urban Enterprise and Avandra Advisory.
How to get involved
No one knows a place better than the people who call it home. This means your local knowledge and lived experience matter. There will be several opportunities to have your say throughout the project, including:
Online surveys: Share your views on what matters most in your community.
Community pop‑ups: Speak with the project team to share your ideas.
Workshops: Participate in detailed discussions about future land use, character, services and infrastructure.
Public exhibition of the Draft Plan: Review the draft and provide formal feedback.
All engagement activities will be promoted on this page, through our social media channels, and local networks.
Online Survey – Open now
We want to understand what matters most to you, the people who live in, visit and care about the Southern Beaches. This short survey is the first of many opportunities to share your experiences, values and priorities. Your feedback will help shape the early stages of the Plan and ensure it reflects local aspirations and lived experience.
Click here to complete the survey: Southern Beaches Plan
Survey is open now until Tuesday 31st March 2026.
Timeline
March 2026
The project starts with research and conversations with community about the Southern Beaches area, including its environment and community.
April – Jun 2026
Technical assessments on housing, social infrastructure, economic needs, transport, landscape, and natural values will inform the development of a Discussion Paper and emerging options.
Jul – Aug 2026
The Discussion Paper and emerging options report will be released for community feedback to gather inputs, ideas and priorities for the Draft Plan.
Aug – Oct 2026
Feedback received will be used to develop the Draft Southern Beaches Plan.
Oct – Nov 2026
Draft Southern Beaches Plan released for community feedback to ensure it meets community expectations. Following this consultation the plan will be updated to reflect community feedback before it is presented to Council.
Dec 2026
Final Plan prepared and present to Council for endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a structure plan that sets a long‑term spatial vision for the Southern Beaches. The Plan will guide decisions and investment in things like:
· How land can be used and where new homes and buildings can go
· Future housing needs
· Parks, trees, and other green spaces
· Streets and public spaces
· Essential infrastructure and community services
· Roads, walking and cycling connections.
The Plan is intended to help the Southern Beaches evolve in sustainable, thoughtful ways by:
· Creating a shared vision for the future
· Giving communities, developers, and government confidence about what kinds of development are appropriate (and what kinds are not)
· Making sure services and infrastructure keep pace with community needs
· Managing change so it benefits everyone
· Helping Council prioritise where investment is needed most to support a growing population.
The Southern Beaches has changed significantly in recent decades, from holiday shacks to thriving communities. Population pressures, ageing infrastructure, natural hazards and servicing limitations mean Council needs a co-ordinated plan for the future.
The Plan covers Dodges Ferry, Lewisham, Carlton, Carlton River and Primrose Sands.
The Plan itself does not rezone land, but it will provide the strategic basis for any future planning scheme changes considered by Council or required under State legislation.
Natural values, hazard mapping and coastal processes will be an important consideration for the Plan. It will identify areas that need protection, areas that may be suitable for change, and strategies to manage climate and hazard risks.
The Plan includes detailed assessments of water, sewerage, stormwater, transport, recreation, and social infrastructure. It will identify gaps, future needs, and potential improvement pathways.
All updates, documents and engagement opportunities will be listed on this page. You can also follow Sorell Council’s Facebook page or subscribe to Council’s e‑newsletter.