Have your say on Shipwreck Coast projects

PARKS Victoria has invited local residents, businesses and community groups to attend information sessions about three projects on the Shipwreck Coast being held today (Thursday) and on Saturday.

The sessions will enable the Parks Victoria team to provide updates and seek feedback on the design development that has been occurring over the past few months on the Blowhole Lookout, the Saddle Lookout and the Campbells Creek Pedestrian Bridge.

Designed by architectural firm Denton Corker Marshall, the new lookouts at the Saddle and the Blowhole will showcase the views along the Great Ocean Road, while the new pedestrian bridge will connect Port Campbell to the Discovery Trail and the Port Campbell National Park, giving visitors improved access and better connectivity to walking trails west of Port Campbell.

The delivery of these projects has been funded by the state government as part of Stage One of The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan implementation which aims to protect, enhance and celebrate one of Victoria’s most visited nature-based tourist experiences.

This month’s state budget funded stage two of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, as well as the Geelong Convention Centre and other projects.

Parks Victoria chief operating officer Simon Talbot said the projects would enhance the visitor experience and contribute towards ensuring Victoria’s parks are healthy and resilient, conserving them for current and future generations.

“Shipwreck Coast is a distinct, cultural and remarkable world-class destination.

“Parks Victoria is committed to delivering works on the ground across Victoria’s park network to protect and enhance park values.

“We manage parks in the context of their surrounding landscape and in partnership with Traditional Owners.

“In conjunction with stakeholder and community engagement, Parks Victoria has undertaken various assessments on the Shipwreck Coast site including landscape site appraisal and analysis, feature surveys, track locations and preliminary geotechnical investigations, environmental and cultural heritage assessments.”

The information sessions will be held today (Thursday) at the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, 1 Cairns Street at 6pm; and on Saturday, May 19 at the Port Campbell Arts Space, 50 Lord Street at 2pm.