Point Grey breakthrough nears with new government deal

A HIGHLY-anticipated redevelopment of Lorne’s Point Grey precinct is edging closer, with the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority signing a funding commitment to deliver the project.

The land manager confirmed this week it had formally committed to delivering the project and will soon agree terms with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to deliver Geelong City Deal projects.

Delivery of the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment and improvements to tourism infrastructure at Kennett River are also part of the deal.

Regional Development Victoria announced in February the projects would collectively have an additional $4 million allocation – about half of which will go to Point Grey, raising its budget to $12.59 million.

That change was part of a reshuffle of the city deal that saw the state and federal governments scrap the proposed Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail due to concerns of its environmental impact.

Local stakeholders had raised concern that scope of the redevelopment could change in recent as funding months negotiations remained ongoing.

But the new agreement provides greater certainty for the precinct’s future.

“The Point Grey Redevelopment in Lorne is one of our highest priorities, and we are keenly aware of the strong community support to see this project succeed,” GORCAPA chief executive officer Jodie Sizer said.

“Signing a letter of offer from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is a key step for our organisation to deliver a significant project that speaks to the principles outlined in our guiding legislation, the Great Ocean Road Environs and Protection Act 2020.

“The Point Grey Redevelopment brings together the knowledge of Traditional Owners and the voice of community to transform a precinct that we know will drive economic benefit to the local community while protecting natural, cultural and ecological values.”

While Ms Sizer said community input would play a significant role in determining the project’s future direction, she hinted at difficult decisions to come as the authority aimed to balance its objectives for the site.

“As a land management agency our job is to is to do the right thing, not the easy or popular thing. In practical terms, this means making evidence-based decisions that are informed by community interests,” she said.

“We know Point Grey is a place of great significance for the local community and this has been demonstrated by the support of the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC) who are project funding partners alongside the Authority and the Australian and Victorian governments.

“Community input will be fundamental, and we look forward to working alongside the community, stakeholders and all those with an interest in this important project.”

Once the new agreement is ratified, GORCAPA says it will start work on an updated masterplan after an initial proposal was denied by the state planning tribunal in March last year.