Grand plans for Otways coast

COASTAL authorities have released a 30-year infrastructure upgrade plan for the Apollo Bay region that is now open for public scrutiny.

Colac Otway Shire Council has unveiled its strategy alongside the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA), with coastal councillors relieved to finally present the idea they said would ensure considered, integrated development of the area.

But the report casts doubt on the future of important local facilities such as Apollo Bay’s skate park and pony club, while proposed road changes would reduce main street traffic and parking and move the town’s ANZAC memorial.

The Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP) included plans to link the three towns through trails, foreshore masterplans, design guidelines for Apollo Bay’s streetscapes and a previously finalised development plan for the Bay’s harbour.

The plan also provides options for two streetscape options for the Great Ocean Road at Apollo Bay’s town centre, with a one-way road considered against maintaining two-way access with a narrower road.

Both designs are aimed at improving pedestrian use and open opportunities for uses such as outdoor dining. The concepts would also send more traffic to Pascoe Street and reduce main street parking.

A War Memorial at Nelson Street-Great Ocean Road would also shift slightly to sit beside the intersection to make way for road improvements. The CIP said the change would improve the memorial’s visual presence and provide space for gathering around.

The council scrapped a controversial idea to move the ANZAC memorial to the nearby foreshore reserve to make way for a roundabout after it caused controversy when first announced in 2019.

Meanwhile, the CIP fails to provide clarity about improvements or relocations of Apollo Bay’s skate park and pony club, which could both become victims of other projects.

It proposed a new expanded play space at Apollo Bay’s foreshore at the current skate park location, which could incorporate “skate elements”, but there’s no plan for a full replacement.

The CIP also said it had not identified a suitable location to relocate the Apollo Bay Pony Club while suggesting its current home would be needed “to ensure the continued availability of the foreshore land for public open space purposes”.

The report also considered moving Apollo Bay’s Recreation Reserve, however that plan is likely scrapped as GORCAPA commences a masterplan project at its current site.

Councillors roundly endorsed the CIP and encouraged locals to have their say.

“While this plan has been a long time coming, there’s been a lot of consultation along the way,” Cr Graham Costin said.

“I’m really looking forward to the community telling us what they think and what needs to be tidied up. But overall, I think it’s a really good piece of work,” Cr Chris Potter said.

The draft plan will go on display for public comment for six weeks, subject to official endorsement from GORCAPA.

The shire would also host a submissions hearing as part of the consultation process before final adoption.