Waiting game continues for Point Grey

LORNE’S Point Grey redevelopment is showing little sign of movement as the project approaches a year since its last significant milestone.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is developing a new masterplan for the precinct, which is set for a $10-million redevelopment and has prompted passionate community responses during the past several years.

The coastal landmark is due to receive new and improved facilities, a redeveloped Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC), hospitality developments, public pace improvements including foreshore walking paths and cultural heritage recognition as part of the revamp.

But timelines on development and construction of the new project remain unclear after a community-led legal challenge led original plans to be canned in March.

The authority indicated it was continuing discussions with stakeholders including Rights holders Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, LAAC, the Surf Coast Shire, state and federal governments and the local community.

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

“We have and will continue to work collaboratively with the community and stakeholders to ensure the complex planning requirements are managed properly.

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

GORCAPA did not respond to questions regarding timelines for construction and completion of the project.

Community-based stakeholders have indicated they were also waiting on news regarding next steps.

The most recent developments included a decision from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in March that found the previous plan of a waterfront restaurant was an inappropriate use of public land.

Before the decision, GORCAPA had already committed to redesigning the precinct and take a fresh approach to community consultation.

A Community Co-design Group (CDDG) of local stakeholders and the Authority formed in late-2021 and developed a revised design of the site’s Fishermen’s Co-Op building that it released in February.

The new design was met with a mostly positive community reaction last year, following years of opposition from local residents and groups against an earlier plan to demolish the historic site.

The Point Grey redevelopment has $10.45 million in funding to revitalise the precinct – including $8 million from the federal and state government-funded Geelong City deal, $2 million from GORCAPA and $450,000 from LAAC.