The GOR detail: Aireys group suggests moving arch and limiting numbers

A LOCAL group has put a detailed submission together for the Great Ocean Road Action Plan that includes the possibility of limiting tourist numbers along the popular route and moving the memorial arch from Eastern View.

The Aireys Inlet and District Association (AIDA) said the state government’s action plan offered a great opportunity to address the many issues facing the Great Ocean Road (GOR) and the towns along its length.

In the group’s submission to the action plan, AIDA president Charlotte Allen argues that increasing tourist numbers along the iconic route cannot be the sole aim of the authority as unlimited numbers of sightseers will spoil the characteristics that attract visitors to the road in the first place.

“This reality needs to be accepted before the action plan is implemented, because controls and limitations on numbers will inevitably be required.”

AIDA’s submission is wide ranging in its scope and looks to sites in Europe as an example of where uncontrolled tourist numbers have spoilt destinations’ appeal.

“The opportunity not to make the same mistakes that have been made across the globe, and to create a visitor experience which is unique, and that will last the test of time, is now possible.”

AIDA’s recommendations cover areas such as controlling traffic; refraining from building large physical infrastructure; the need for community consultation; and the creation of more walking and cycling opportunities.

Ms Allen said that AIDA’s “most controversial but nevertheless important recommendations (which are well argued in the paper)” are:
• Not to allow any additional tourist accommodation, resorts, hotels, camping grounds or other major tourist attractions on the GOR itself or between the GOR and the ocean
• Relocating the GOR Memorial Arch to a more appropriate site;
• To create an electronic permit system for all drivers of vehicles planning to travel the GOR with fees of zero for residents/local businesses but steadily increasing as per the load capacity of the vehicle and the introduction of pre-travel parking permits for all buses travelling the GOR.

“The action plan represents a real opportunity; an opportunity not only to protect the local environment, the sea and landscapes and the local character/way of life, but also to ensure that tourism becomes part of the solution to developmental problems rather than the problem.”

Copies of AIDA’s submission will be provided to all the group’s members, and will also be available Great Ocean Road Action Plan consultation sessions in Aireys Inlet (Community Hall, 10am-12pm) and Anglesea (Anglesea & Aireys Inlet Senior Citizens Club, 2pm-4pm) on June 1.

AIDA’s submission can also be viewed online at aireys-inlet.org/great-ocean-road-taskforce.