An elected Liberal Nationals Government will create a new Great Ocean Road Authority to manage designated Crown Land along the Great Ocean Road.
This new authority will replace existing organisations including local government, Parks Victoria, DELWP and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) that currently manage Crown Land along the coast.
The Great Ocean Road is an iconic Victorian landmark and is home to some of the state’s most significant environmental assets including the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach, and the Otways.
As one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the region attracts over 5 million visitors with tourism accounting for 13 percent of employment in the local area.
The management of the area has been under question in recent years following botched tender processes around the Anglesea Caravan Park, the Cape Otway Lightstation and the failure to adequately plan for huge visitor numbers at the iconic 12 Apostles.
The Liberal Nationals will ensure there is proper management of the area that will bolster the region’s long-term environmental, economic and tourism needs.
Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:
“The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s greatest assets and the longest war memorial in the world.
“Governments have a duty to ensure that icons like the Great Ocean Road are looked after and maintained; a Liberal Nationals Government I lead will make sure that happens.”
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Environment, Nick Wakeling:
“The environmental and economic significance of the Great Ocean Road to Victorians cannot be understated, this is why the Liberal Nationals are stepping in to improve management of the region.
“It’s important that we protect the marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as the parks and reserves in the region, for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”
Comments attributable to the Member for Polwarth, Richard Riordan:
“Local residents, businesses, and tour operators within the region have been asking for a more coherent and cooperative approach to management of the area.
“These reforms deliver the necessary changes to help boost the local economy, protect and create local jobs, and ensure the future of this marvellous environmental asset.”
Comments attributable to the Member for South West Coast, Roma Britnell:
“This is about delivering visitors the experience they expect from a world class tourist destination like the Great Ocean Road.
“If people are encouraged to stay at the iconic sites a bit longer, it means they will spend more money in local shops and restaurants and will be more likely to stay on and further explore the south-west region.”
