Corangamite councillor sees opportunity in twin crises of bushfires and tourism downturn

A CORANGAMITE Shire councillor is urging the state and federal governments to use the downturn in local tourist traffic as a chance to carry out important infastructure upgrades right along the Great Ocean Road.

In a social media post on the Otway Community News Facebook group titled “Opportunities abound in Devastation”, Cr Simon Illingworth said the “two simultaneous and unexpected disruptors” of bushfires and the coronavirus had begun to damage but not devastate the local tourism industry.

“Amid the reduced tourism numbers lies a significant opportunity: infrastructure building.

“It’s time to snap the 12 Apostles precinct build into gear, fix the tourist loop roads, build and enhance the town streetscapes and traffic flows. Dust off all the expensive studies and plans you’ve got, crack open the $350 million Geelong City Deal loot and get on with it.

“The construction workers will fill the beds, eat the food and drink the beer that the tourists normally would. Businesses will benefit.

“Why wait until tourism recovers? You’ll only disrupt business again.”

He cited the Great Ocean Road North-South Loop as an example of a road project that should be completed urgently, which would include $16 million for Timboon-Colac Road.

Cr Illingworth also listed, “as a friendly reminder”, several specific state and federal government commitments made about the 12 Apostles area:

• A state government promise on May 28, 2016 of $9.8 million for improvements at the Blow Hole, the 12 Apostles and the Port Campbell pedestrian bridge, to be completed by 2020
• A state government “funding splash” on October 13, 2017 of $5 million into safety at the 12 Apostles to improve traffic flow and park and ride options
• A state government promise on May 2, 2018 of $150 million for the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, 12 Apostles precinct and Glenample homestead
• A federal government “game changer” on October 29, 2018 of $154 million including an amphitheatre for the 12 Apostles, and
• A federal government promise on October 31, 2018 of $58 million for stage 2 of the 12 Apostles plan for Glenample Homestead.

Cr Illingworth also expressed dissatisfaction at recent 12 Apostles works and made reference to Australian comedy Muriel’s Wedding.

“I’m desperately hoping the $5 million 12 Apostles ‘safety improvements’ weren’t spent on the 3km of low grade, temporary, cattle yard fencing that ‘herds’ the tourists into Australia’s greatest natural icon,” he wrote. “That ‘circus-like’ set up has a real ‘Porpoise Spit’ feel to it.”