Community
17 July, 2024
Land management changes hands at Port Campbell
A NUMBER of key land parcels previously managed by Parks Victoria are now being overseen by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
The areas – taking in key sites from Port Campbell to Torquay – were transferred on July 1.
Both organisations, with the support of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, have worked collaboratively to make the transition as smooth as possible for employees and the wider community.
For the time being, the community will continue to see Parks Victoria staff in these areas, as they will maintain their role in monitoring and caring for the land.
A Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority spokesperson said the authority would be responsible for replacing and upgrading assets and delivering a coordinated and strategic approach across the region’s coast and parks.
“We will be working with the rights holders and the wider community to understand the key cultural, social, environmental, and economic values and uses of each parcel,” the spokesperson said.
The land parcels include the Port of Port Campbell.
The Port of Port Campbell consists of two Crown land parcels, including the jetty and access road.
It is an active port, servicing seasonal commercial fishing operators and a larger number of recreational boat users.
Other parcels include Curdies Inlet at Peterborough, and the Anglesea Bushland Reserve.
The Victorian Government established the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority as a dedicated coast and parks manager to protect and enhance these special areas.
“Before we were established, land management was fragmented and complex, with 11 different entities responsible for various parts of the coast,” the spokesperson said.
“Land management transfers from other entities are regularly occurring, as we continue to progress towards our full responsibility by November 1, 2025.
“By then, we will be managing about 700 parcels of land and sea – totalling more than 150,000 hectares – along the full length of the Great Ocean Road.
“This will deliver benefits through a more coordinated and holistic management approach, ensuring visitation is environmentally sustainable and that the liveability of local communities is protected.”
The authority spokesperson said all revenue raised on the land it manages is reinvested back into the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, to ensure the special part of the state can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
“Community members can share their valuable knowledge and follow our land management transfers by visiting https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/land-transfers,” the spokesperson said.