Lorne Pier survey results released

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has released its community findings from its 2024 Lorne Pier User Survey, with more than 100 surveys received during the consultation period.

GORCAPA launched its consultation period in March to gather input from community members who use the Lorne Pier.

According to the authority, the consultation was an opportunity to get feedback on user satisfaction, management and overall experience.

GORCAPA received 101 online survey responses and had conversations with more than 40 pier users across the two in-person engagements.

The survey’s primary objectives were to better understand how the pier is used, and the community’s satisfaction levels with its environmental management, public safety, and accessibility.

“We received a variety of responses to the survey and at the community drop-in sessions, with some concerns raised about the overall maintenance of the pier as well as some ideas for improvement to enhance user experience,” GORCAPA stated.

“Our foreshore team will be installing additional fishing line recycling bins at the pier, to encourage users to dispose of their fishing waste.

“We will continue to support and work with community groups to develop approaches to litter.

“We appreciate the concerns raised regarding maintenance and replacement of the pier’s timber decking. Maintaining a safe and accessible pier is a priority. We undertake regular assessments of the condition of the timber decking of the pier to ensure user safety.”

More than eight in 10 (82 per cent) of respondents use the pier all throughout the year, while 14 per cent use the pier solely during the summer and public holiday periods.

The top three uses of the pier as outlined in the survey report were identified as walking (37 per cent), sightseeing (27 per cent) and fishing (15 per cent).

The pier’s accessibility was praised in the report, with “most” respondents saying there was adequate amenities and access to the site, while others stated there was too much signage despite a satisfaction level of 55 per cent satisfaction.

Nearly all (96 per cent) respondents also feel safe at the pier, while concerns focused on cleanliness, littering, and public behaviour during peak periods.

GORCAPA says it will now review its management priorities to align with community expectations for safety and environmental management at the pier.

The full report of the 2024 Lorne Pier User Survey can be viewed at haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au