The 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.
Project Partners
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.
The latest round of community engagement ran from Thursday 16 July to Wednesday 12 August 2026. The community was invited to provide feedback on the Discussion Paper and share their ideas, priorities and local knowledge to help shape the Southern Beaches Plan.
What we heard
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback on the Southern Beaches Plan Discussion Paper.
Key themes included walking and cycling connections, protecting the natural environment, housing choice, local services, community facilities and infrastructure.
Read the Consultation ReportThank you to everyone who took the time to get involved and share their thoughts. The feedback received is now being used to help develop the Draft Southern Beaches Plan.
Download Discussion PaperSupporting reports
The Discussion Paper is accompanied by a range of supporting reports to help provide a clear picture of the Southern Beaches.
State of Play Report
Era Advisory
Brings together research on planning, population, infrastructure and the environment to help identify the main issues and opportunities.
Download ReportEconomic Analysis Report
Urban Enterprise
Looks at how the local economy is functioning, including where people work, the role of local centres, and the extent of retail, commercial and industrial land supply.
Download ReportTransport Background Report
Avandra Advisory
Provides an overview of how people move around the Southern Beaches, including travel patterns, road conditions, public transport, active transport and parking. This report is also informed by the Lewisham Scenic Drive Traffic Study (GHD).
Download ReportSocial Infrastructure Needs Assessment
Era Advisory
Reviews the community facilities, services and open spaces that support daily life in the Southern Beaches.
Download ReportPrecinct Plans
Playstreet
Focus on three locations identified for potential urban design, landscaping, placemaking and transport improvements. The plans explore how these places could become safer, more attractive and better connected for everyday community life and local activity.
Download ReportPublic Exhibition of the Draft Plan
We’ll publicly exhibit the Draft Southern Beaches Plan later in the year and seek your feedback.
All engagement activities will be promoted on this page, through our social media channels and local networks.
Online Survey (Wednesday 4 March – Tuesday 31 March) – Now Closed
Thank you to everyone who took part in the online community survey. The survey closed on Tuesday 31 March and the feedback received is helping to shape the Southern Beaches Plan.
A summary of the survey results has been prepared to highlight key themes and priorities shared by the community. Further opportunities to get involved will be shared soon.
View the Community Survey SnapshotProject Timeline
March 2026
The project starts with research and conversations with community about the Southern Beaches area, including its environment and community.
April – June 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.
July – August 2026
The Discussion Paper and emerging options report will be released for community feedback to gather inputs, ideas and priorities for the Draft Plan.
August – October 2026
Feedback received will be used to develop the Draft Southern Beaches Plan.
November – December 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.
January 2027
Final Plan prepared and presented to Council for endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Southern Beaches Plan 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
- 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 important considerations 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.
The Lewisham Scenic Drive Traffic Study has also informed the Transport Background Report by providing additional analysis of traffic conditions, movement patterns, road network challenges and opportunities for improvement along Lewisham Scenic Drive.
All updates, documents and engagement opportunities will be listed on this page.
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