Authority takes on new Great Ocean Road sites

GORCAPA has acquired the land management rights of Port Campbell Recreation Reserve. Photos: SUPPLIED

THE region’s largest land manager has widened its catchment in a step that extends its reach further down the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has confirmed it has taken on the management of two more park along the Great Ocean Road, adding Princetown Recreation Reserve and the Port Campbell Recreation Reserve to its portfolio.

Both sites were previously managed by volunteer committees of management, on behalf of the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA).

Princetown Recreation Reserve’s management was obtained by GORCAPA last month.

GORCAPA said in a statement it will remain committed to building on the great work of the committees, to conserve and enhance the parcels of public land.

“This is an exciting development as we know these are much-loved and important places in Princetown and Port Campbell,” GORCAPA CEO Jodie Sizer said.

“We’re grateful to the committees for their dedicated work to shape these valuable and highly regarded community spaces.

“Their support during the transition was invaluable and we appreciate the guidance and assistance they extended, to ensure a smooth transfer.

“We are committed to upholding the high levels of care and service excellence that these areas, and the local communities, deserve.”

The reserves, situated on Eastern Maar Country, were transferred to GORCAPA on May 13 and now takes the number of parks in the Authority’s care to 10.

Both parks feature a mix of powered and unpowered camp sites in natural settings and provide a great base for visitors and families visiting the Twelve Apostles precinct and Port Campbell National Park.

Both sites hold basic amenities, barbecues, a camp kitchen, and children’s play area.

GORCAPA last month also acquired the management rights of the Split Point Lighthouse precinct in Aireys Inlet, from the Surf Coast Shire Council and Crown land in Lorne including the foreshore skate park and forested areas between the Great Otway

National Park and the Lorne township.

For more information on the parks GORCAPA manages, head to greatoceanparks.com.au.