Consultation begins on Great Ocean Road’s future

COMMUNITY forums seeking input to shape planning for the future of the Great Ocean Road region began last week.

The Great Ocean Road Management Reform team will visit 13 towns across May and June to build on feedback given by the
public in 2018 and involve the community in developing long-term objectives and a shared vision for the future of the region, including the Surf Coast Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program.

This initiative is part of the Great Ocean Road Action Plan unveiled by the state government in October 2018, with major management arrangement reforms to protect the Great Ocean Road coast and parks and to ensure a great visitor experiencefor generations to come.

“The development of long-term objectives and a shared vision for the Great Ocean Road region, that protects the iconic landscapes and liveability of local communities and provides a great visitor experience, is a priority,” Great Ocean Road Management Reform Project director Jason Borg said.

“We want to understand the aspiration of local communities for the future of their region before we start the development of long-term objectives and a vision for this special part of our state.

“The shared vision will be given effect through an overarching framework plan that will guide local decisions.

“The community has a pivotal role to play in providing input to the state government on the best way to manage the Great Ocean Road region now and into the future.”

Forums were held in Bellbrae on Thursday, in Torquay on Friday and Saturday, and in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The next sessions will be held at the Deans Marsh Community Hall tomorrow (Friday May 31) from 6-8pm; the Aireys Inlet Community Hall on Saturday, June 1 from 10am-noon, and at the Anglesea & Aireys Inlet Senior Citizens Club on Saturday, June 1 from 2-4pm.

Details of coming sessions are available at engage.vic.gov.au/great-ocean-road.

To register to receive project updates and notice of opportunities for involvement in the implementation of the Great Ocean Road Action Plan, email [email protected].

Meanwhile, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman will host a “Surf Coast Community Forum” next month to discuss planning and development changes in the region, including the Surf Coast Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program.

Mr Cheeseman’s forum will be held at Torquay Community House, 14 Price Street, Torquay, on June 7 at 11am.