Time for Marriners falls to re open

THE Colac Otway Shire is urging the state government to re-open the tourist attraction Marriners Falls, northwest of Apollo Bay. Last month, the council unanimously voted to lobby Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio for further investigations into the walk and waterfall in the Great Otway National Park.

A notice of motion brought forward by Cr Jason Schram called for a new independent geotechnical risk assessment, including an examination of risk mitigation strategies, recommendations and comparison with approaches used for other public assets in Victoria.

A report commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in 2014 found the unique features of the falls significantly contribute to the potential for trees to fall and pose an “unacceptable risk” to the lives of visitors or staff. A visitor was seriously injured by a falling tree in 2008, and another broke their ankle while walking to the falls in September 2014.

Cr Schram said Marriners Falls was a unique waterfall in the Otways region and that the council was pleased to join forces with the community to campaign for the falls’ reopening, building on the strong advocacy the community had already done. “For many years it was a favourite destination for domestic and international tourists up until its closure in 2011. “It was also a special place for locals, particularly during summer when it was a great place to escape on hot days.

“Marriners Falls is an important tourism asset along the Great Ocean Road and our council is strongly supportive of seeing it reopened.

“The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions and we believe Marriners Falls is worthy of further investment by the state government to restore it to its rightful position as one of our region’s most significant nature-based walks and waterfalls,” he said.

Colac Otway councillors agreed at their March meeting to write to the state government about Marriners Falls, and will also seek meetings with relevant ministers. The council will also seek the support of regional partners including G21 and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.