GORCAPA defends lighthouse tour EOI

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) says it is best practice to hold an expression of interest (EOI) process to run tours of the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet.

GORCAPA took over management of the lighthouse precinct from the Surf Coast Shire on May 1, and announced last month it would invite applications from interested parties.

Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association (AITTA) questioned this proposal last week, arguing there was already a local tour operator in place and GORCAPA was reserving the right to run tours itself.

In a media statement issued in response, GORCAPA said there were “no valid tenure arrangements in place for any operations or uses at the lighthouse” when GORCAPA took over management of the lighthouse precinct.

“As the new land manager, we entered a lease arrangement with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in line with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to provide them with tenure of the lighthouse to deliver their maritime safety service.

“AMSA, in turn issued a Tourist Access Licence to the authority which allows the delivery of lighthouse tours. This is typical practice between land managers and AMSA.

“This was a necessary step to ensure that we could subsequently issue a sub-licence to an operator to continue the popular public tours of Split Point Lighthouse.”

GORCAPA’s statement noted the authority had run a comprehensive safety audit of the land parcel and inspected the structural integrity of the lighthouse.

“Conducting business on Crown Land reserve is a special privilege, and the authority is committed to upholding proper procedures in awarding this licence.

“The clause reserving the right for the authority to operate tours from the lighthouse is a standard measure, and not unique to this EOI.

“It is to ensure that if a tour operator ceases operation, we can step in to ensure continuity of service for guests and the local community while planning for a new licensee to take over.”

GORCAPA director of community, corporate affairs and visitor economy Andy Mathers said the authority recognised the importance of the lighthouse tours to Aireys Inlet visitors, and “we take seriously our health and safety responsibilities as the new Crown land manager”.

“The decision to run an open EOI is considered best practice, and in line with Victorian government requirements to ensure a competitive process where all applicants are treated fairly and equally.

“This is about ensuring the appropriate checks and balances are in place to make sure that tours can operate safely and sustainably now and into the future.”

Applications to the EOI close on Friday, August 2 at 5pm.

For more information, head to greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Land-We-Manage/Leases-licences-and-permits/Tenders-and-Expressions-of-Interest