Survey asks how to fund Great Ocean Road works

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Great Ocean Road Action Plan will be open to feedback until Sunday, December 15.

The state government has already passed a bill that gives effect to the plan’s suggestion to set up an authority to oversee the road’s management.

The plan states the new authority will need a source of revenue to help them manage the road.

“In creating a sustainable authority, new revenue sources need to be established to support its activities, in particular the maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure along the coast.”

In October, various politicians gave their thoughts on tolls being introduced on the road. Last week, Premier Daniel Andrews unequivocally stated a toll would not happen.

“We’ve got a long-standing policy; we don’t toll existing roads.”

Nevertheless, the Great Ocean Road Action Plan does survey people on their preferred method of raising funds for the authority, with some of the options very similar to tolling.

The options the survey provides are “parking fees”, “vehicle infrastructure pass”, “tourism operator license and fees”, “commercial opportunities at key visitor sites including public/private partnerships” and “other”.

While the “vehicle infrastructure pass” would operate much like a conventional toll, local ratepayers would receive free permits.

“Tourism operator licences would draw funds from an annual license fee in addition to a per-visitor fee. These would increase revenue and ensure visitors pay a standard rate by “removing or raising the cap and/or increasing the per user fee.”

Earlier in the year, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism (GORRT) chair Wayne Kayler-Thomson spoke with Times News Group about the possible funding options.

“It’s too simplistic to just talk about a toll in the traditional sense. You need to take into account not applying the tolls to locals,” he said.

“GORRT has undertaken a global study previously to look at a range of options. Technology can be applied to parking along the road, particularly in key places. That’ll help to relieve congestion in some parts as well, particularly around the development of the 12 Apostles Precinct.”

To give feedback or fill out the survey, head to engage.vic.gov.au/great-ocean-road.