Coastal land transfers to deliver better protection and management of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
The coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road are special and important to the Surf Coast and all Victorians, and we are committed to the ongoing protection and management of this significant landscape.
On 1 December 2020, the Victorian Government established a dedicated public land and parks manager, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) with a legislated mandate to manage the Great Ocean Road and its surroundings as “one living and integrated entity” and to deliver better protection and management of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
The current management arrangements are inconsistent and limit a strategic and coordinated response to the impacts of increasing visitation, environmental forces, severe weather events and climate change, along the Great Ocean Road.
In partnership with the Traditional Owners and together with our local community, the role of the Authority is to manage, protect and foster resilience of the natural, cultural and heritage values of coastal Crown land along the Great Ocean Road.
How it will be achieved
Approximately 700 parcels of Crown Land will be transferred to the Authority across five Local Government Areas, as well as several other land managers. All transfers will be completed by 1 November 2025. Approximately 30 of those parcels are located across Surf Coast Shire.
Surf Coast Shire Council is working collaboratively with the Authority and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA, previously DELWP) to ensure a successful transition. An agreed partnership approach has been established to further develop the transfer and on-boarding process of land management responsibility for some Crown land reserves.
Together we have developed a consistent and pragmatic methodology and approach to land and asset transfers across along the Great Ocean Road. This approach involves extensive mapping of cultural, social, environmental and economic values and uses, as well as capturing the community interest and local significance attached to each parcel and asset.
A program of transfers will be communicated to all user groups, keys stakeholders and the community as the process develops. All of the Authority’s future management activities will be in line with their guiding principles, which aim to ensure that all economic, social, environmental and cultural concerns are considered in a balanced and sensitive way.
We are all committed to ensuring current community uses and experiences are protected and/or enhanced on any reserves transferred to the Authority and through this process ensure the Great Ocean Road can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What transfers are occurring on the Great Ocean Road for the Surf Coast Shire?
The management of the Crown land between Torquay and Lorne will transfer from Surf Coast Shire Council to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, as directed by the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020.
Why is management responsibility being transferred to the Authority?
The Victorian Government established the Authority as the dedicated Crown land and parks manager to protect and manage visitation of the iconic coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road, to ensure it is a thriving region now and for generations to come. The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 provides for Crown land reserves and National Parks Act land within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks to be transferred to the Authority by the 1 November 2025. To find out more, visit Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority
When will the Surf Coast Transfers occur?
The transfers have begun and will occur in five stages. These are the transfer of Crown land management responsibilities for land parcels between Torquay and Lorne to the Authority. The exact dates are to be determined by DEECA and accepted by GORCAPA. As Surf Coast receives confirmation of these dates, they will be shared with local communities via web page, social media and community drop in sessions.
Why are the land parcels being transferred in stages?
The transfer of management responsibility for these parcels vary in their complexities due to the purpose of use, zonings, environmental considerations and maintenance requirements, which will take time to work through to ensure a smooth transition of management responsibilities.
What implications will the transfers have on my access and use along the Great Ocean Road?
Public and user groups should not notice a difference in the way they can use the Great Ocean Road before or following the transfers.
Will other projects in these areas, such as infrastructure upgrades, be affected?
The delivery of these projects will not be affected and will remain managed by Council.
Are the Authority responsible for the Great Ocean Road?
These roads are funded and maintained by VicRoads. Any issues related to these roads should be forwarded directly to VicRoads by calling 13 11 70 or by visiting their website.
How will the Surf Coast Shire communities be affected by this change in land management?
It’s business as usual for our Surf Coast communities.
What do I do if I have another question about the transfers?
For enquiries relating to transfer of the land parcels, contact the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority via phone on 1300 736 533 or email info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.
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