Consultation opens on Twelve Apostles redevelopment

THE state and federal governments have moved to the next phase of the redevelopment of the Twelve Apostles precinct, opening community consultation on the project.

To be built on land neighbouring the existing visitor centre at the world-famous tourism destination, the $108.15 million works are part of the Geelong City Deal and will be delivered in two phases – $84.75 million of coastal and main works by Development Victoria, and $23.4 million in the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) to be delivered by others.

The main works will largely be creating the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, which will also include a park and ride facility, a temporary event space, substantial revegetation, landscaping, gardens and walking trails, new access roads, better parking at the Secret Apostles Lookout, a visitor shuttle shelter, eBike parking and toilets.

In the coastal works, proposed upgrades include revegetation and safety improvements to the Loch Ard Gorge carpark, safety upgrades at Gibson Steps and upgraded visitor lookouts such as an all-weather amphitheatre at the Twelve Apostles lookout.

The PSBEF is supporting the underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road regions, with the first round of projects under way and a second round under assesment.

On Tuesday this week, Labor state Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing and federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King officially announced the beginning of the community consultation process.

A redevelopment online survey has been launched, and information sessions both in person and online will begin in May.

“The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge attracts up to 2.8 million visitors per year,” Ms King said.

“This redevelopment aims to attract more domestic and international visitors and encourage visitors to stay longer.”

Ms Shing said the project would “create a lasting legacy as an international, cultural and environmentally conscious tourism drawcard for the region and Australia for decades to come”.

The two MPs also announced a partnership with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the formally recognised Traditional Owner groups for the area, to enable the codesign and delivery of the project.

The partnership recognises Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship with Country, in line with the Eastern Maar Country Plan and will ensure the Eastern Maar culture remains at the forefront of the redevelopment.

“We are excited to join in a participatory design process to share in a new vision for the Twelve Apostles precinct that equally projects our shared stories and histories connected to this iconic place and the broader Great Ocean Road,” EMAC chief executive officer Marcus Clarke said.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to position the new Twelve Apostles precinct into an even more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike; a destination that balances, safeguards and amplifies our natural and cultural assets alongside increasing visitor numbers.”

The state government announced its intention in October 2022 to compulsorily acquire land for the redevelopment from a private landowner.

For more information, head to engage.vic.gov.au/twelve-apostles