Great Ocean Road Region Strategy
Overview
Victoria has one of the most publicly accessible coasts in the world. The Great Ocean Road Region is Victoria’s most popular visitor destination outside Melbourne.The region, stretching from Torquay to Warrnambool, is a place of infinite diversity, from exquisite coastal scenery, to rugged mountain ranges, productive farmland, thriving country towns and rainforests.
These attractions make the region a popular visitor destination while the seaside lifestyle the area offers is attracting more full time residents. Increased population brings significant benefits and challenges as well as placing additional pressures on the region.
Released in 2004, the Great Ocean Road Region Strategy was prepared to manage the land use and transport growth demands for the next 20 years.
The strategy provides direction for the State Government, each of the region’s councils, the community, businesses and other government agencies to plan for the region’s future, set priorities and make decisions.
The community and people with a stake in the region’s future participated in the development of the Strategy and influenced its key directions, policies and initiatives.
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protect the landscape and care for the environment;
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manage the growth of towns;
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improve the management of access and transport; and
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encourage sustainable tourism and resource use.
What's been achieved?
The report card showed the Great Ocean Road Region Strategy was well on target in addressing coastal growth pressures and managing change in the much-loved coastal region - 95% of the strategy’s 154 recommended actions had commenced or were well on their way to being delivered, with significant progress in all four main areas of focus – environment, settlement, access and prosperity.
Great Ocean Road Strategy achievements include:
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$13 million to establish and manage the new Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park, with a further $3.37 million per year for ongoing management of the park system.
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More than $1 million to manage the new Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries system and a further $1.5 million for marine habitat mapping for the Twelve Apostles and Point Addis.
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Completion of a comprehensive landscape assessment of the region’s coastline, enabling local councils to amend their planning schemes to ensure the visual values of coastal environments are not compromised by inappropriate development.
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Commencement of many new coastal township structure plans by councils as part of the strategy’s focus on settlement planning. Plans have been completed for Warrnambool, Port Campbell and Torquay/ Jan Juc. Plans for Apollo Bay, Wye River, Separation Creek and Kennett River are progressing.
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Road funding and safety improvements associated with the region’s access strategy is currently in excess of $31.8 million, with VicRoads allocating $19.3 million to improve shoulder-sealing, guard rails, signing and line markings along roads.
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Delivery of improvements to motorcycle and pedestrian safety with $800,000 allocated.
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Enhanced public transport access to the Great Ocean Road Region by the Regional Fast Rail upgrade between Melbourne and Geelong, the introduction of new V/locity passenger trains, upgrades to station facilities, and improved bus links between coastal towns.
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$7 million over four years to boost new job, tourism and recreation opportunities in the Otways area and hinterland communities. Recently completed projects included the Great Ocean Walk, Old Beechy cycle and walking trail and new visitor facilities at Lake Elizabeth and Triplet Falls.
Publications
How are we travelling on the Great Ocean Road? - A report card
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Great Ocean Road Region Strategy Summary
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Great Ocean Road Region Strategy Report
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Background Documents
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Draft Strategy Community Consultation Report 2004 Draft Strategy 2003 |
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Discussion Paper Community Consultation Report 2002 Discussion Paper 2001 |