Work starts on new Twelve Apostles lookout

WORK has started to build a new lookout at the Twelve Apostles in the next stage of projects in the Victorian Government’s Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.

Last week, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the $9.2 million upgrade to the lookout to cater for increased visitor numbers would go ahead.

The new Saddle Lookout will provide a safer and more accessible experience for visitors, supporting the regional economy and helping to future-proof the iconic destination.

Situated on Kirrae Wurrung Country, the two “clapsticks” of the structure are the colours of Ngayook (sulphur crested cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (red-tailed black cockatoo), which are primary totemic species to the Eastern Maar peoples.

The view is hidden when visitors enter and, as they continue through the lookout, the views of the coastline are revealed.

Parks Victoria partnered with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation on the design, which was also discussed during community consultation in 2018.

The siting, forms and expression is a contemporary reflection of cultural heritage while delivering a memorable and engaging visitor experience.

The new lookout will be complemented by an extra walking track with rest stops, creating a one-way circuit loop.

This introduces a new, more protected and intimate experience, focusing on vegetation and cultural heritage.

To construct the Saddle Lookout, the Castle Rock Lookout will be removed and revegetated.

The project will be the second delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $16.5 million investment in stage one of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.

The first, a new pedestrian suspension bridge connecting the Port Campbell National Park with Port Campbell, was completed last year.

Stage one projects are expected to support about 120 ongoing jobs, add $12 million to the regional economy and increase the annual visitor spend by $14 million.

“This exciting project on Kirrae Wurrung Country will improve visitor experiences and support new opportunities for jobs and the local economy,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“This is a special natural and cultural landscape and one which this government is protecting and improving for future generations.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said she was delighted to see the project, which reflects the resilience and history of the Eastern Maar peoples, get off the ground.

Across the state, the Victorian Government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan has earmarked $633 million over four years to strengthen Victoria’s tourism offering by developing new experiences, products and infrastructure.