Lorne Bushfire Place of Last Resort update

Published on 30 January 2026

Point Grey in Lorne will temporarily close to the public from Monday 2 February while the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) carries out redevelopment works, and will therefore be unavailable as a Bushfire Place of Last Resort.

The foreshore area along Mountjoy Parade will remain as a Bushfire Place of Last Resort within the town.

Residents and visitors are always encouraged to enact fire plans and leave early. Places of Last Resort are locations to attend only when all other personal bushfire plans have failed.

They do not replace a well-thought-out and practised plan; they are simply clear areas that provide separation distance from the bushfire hazard. 

Surf Coast Shire General Manager Community Life Damian Waight reminded locals and visitors to Lorne to have a well prepared fire plan in place, urging the community not to rely on a Bushfire Place of Last Resort for safety.

“I cannot stress enough that Bushfire Places of Last Resort are just that – a last resort when all your plans have failed. We urge everyone to have a solid fire action plan and leave early,” he said.

“While Point Grey is a construction site as part of GORCAPA’s redevelopment, it won’t meet the requirements for a Bushfire Place of Last Resort.”

“It’s really important that you adjust your bushfire survival plan to include this change – and also inform any guests you are hosting in the South Lorne area.”

“Once the works are finished – which is expected to be later this year – the site will be assessed for suitability before Council can recommission it as a Place of Last Resort. We will let the community know when this happens.”

Following the 2009 Black Saturday fires and the recommendations from the Bushfires Royal Commission, Victorian councils must identify, designate, establish and maintain suitable Bushfire Places of Last Resort locations that may provide some protection from direct flame and heat from a fire, but they do not guarantee safety.

Stay informed and prepare for the fire season: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/FireReady.