Torquay to house new Great Ocean Road authority headquarters

THE state government has revealed that the headquarters of the new authority in charge of the Great Ocean Road will be based in Torquay.

The headquarters’ future location was confirmed after the passing of the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Bill 2019 on February 20.

Last week, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said Torquay was the ideal location for the headquarters.

“The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic coastal drives in the world – I welcome the headquarters of the new authority being in Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.”

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will have district offices in both Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. It will also have operational bases in other coastal towns along the road.

There are presently 11 different Crown land managers responsible for various parts of the road. GORCAPA seeks to provide a more co-ordinated management structure with a clearer hierarchy.

All staff working for the existing crown land managers that GORCAPA cover will retain their jobs, conditions and working locations.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the new authority would help ensure the region reaches its economic potential.

“The Great Ocean Road is one of our most popular tourism destinations and this new authority will help to diversify tourism and economic development in the region.”

It is not yet decided where in Torquay the headquarters will go, or whether a new building is constructed or an existing one is leased.

Torquay marks the easternmost point of the Great Ocean Road, with the road stretching 243 kilometres to its western end at Allansford.