Authority acquires new parcels of land

Erskine Falls is part of the new parcel land transfer. Photos: SUPPLIED

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has taken over management of several high-profile coastal sites, including parts of the Great Otway National Park.

As of July 1, all parkland between the Great Ocean Road and the ocean, including popular walks and high visitation areas, has been transferred to the authority.

It marks the fourth stage of land transfers to GORCAPA and expands the authority’s responsibilities by about 19,000 hectares, bringing the total to 40,634 hectares of public land from Point Impossible to the Hopkins River.

The Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct is now being managed by the Great Ocean Road Coasts and Parks Authority.

The latest transfer includes campgrounds at Blanket Bay, Aire River and Johanna, as well as recreational sites like Point Addis, Erskine Falls, the Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct and the Great Ocean Walk.

GORCAPA interim chief executive officer Christine Fergusson said the authority was committed to protecting these sites for future generations.

“These are special locations that we are committed to protecting for future generations,” she said.

Recreational areas like Point Addis have been transferred to the Authority.

“These transfers are a key step toward achieving a holistic management approach for the iconic and treasured coast and parks of the Great Ocean Road.”

Parks Victoria will continue to manage other areas of the Great Otway National Park and will handle on-ground operations in the transferred areas until July 2026.

GORCAPA is working in partnership with Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to meet conservation obligations and ensure cultural values are protected. It will take over day-to-day management from July next year.