GORCN series to discuss tourism impacts

THE Great Ocean Road Communities Network (GORCN) is working on a series of online seminars about tourism along the Great Ocean Road and what model should be used into the future.

Planned to run in late February and early March 2025, the five-part webinar series will include national and international expert speakers.

According to the Aireys Inlet and District Association’s (AIDA) website, the free webinars are expected to draw a high level of interest from local communities across Australia and overseas as well as tourism operators and government agencies.

“The series will explore the argument for tourism’s transition from an unsustainable, growth-centric, demand-based model, which will not advance the liveability of the Great Ocean Road region, to a regenerative and resilient model suited to the unique character of our region.”

Initiated by AIDA four years ago, GORCN is a cluster of like-minded community groups along the Great Ocean Road.

Its member organisations include Anglesea Community Network, Friends of Lorne, Greater Torquay Alliance, Save Anglesea, Wye River and Separation Creek Community Association, and the Otway Forum.

The five-part webinar series will cover a range of critical tourism issues and solutions for the Great Ocean Road region:

• Session one will highlight the benefits of tourism as a force for positive change while reviewing the challenges faced by poorly managed systems, drawing on examples from the recent European summer.
• Session two will focus on sustainable tourism models, showcasing successful transitions in places like Scotland, Copenhagen, and New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty.
• Session three will examine the flaws of the current tourism model along the Great Ocean Road, addressing issues like traffic congestion, housing pressure, environmental impacts, and the overall reduction in liveability.
• Session four will give government and tourism agencies a platform to share their plans and vision for the region.
• Session five will combine an in-person and online discussion with agency representatives to identify barriers to adopting a more sustainable and resilient tourism model.

Further details will be available closer to the event.