The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has officially come to life providing a single, dedicated body to manage the region’s public land, beaches, national parks, tourism operations and accommodation.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio and Minister for Tourism, Martin Pakula said the State Budget allocated $47.5 million to improve visitor infrastructure, support the management reforms and boost jobs across the region.
“The Authority will receive $18.3 million to deliver upgrades to visitor facilities such as toilets, caravan parks, viewing platforms, trails, beach access and car parking,” Ms D’Ambrosio and Mr Pakula said.
“The new Authority will deliver a more coordinated and sustainable approach to planning and tourism, replacing previous land management arrangements that are complex, disjointed and involve multiple land managers,” they said.
“A new independent Board and Chair have been appointed, including a nominee of each recognised Traditional Owner group in the region.”
Ms D’Ambrosio and Mr Pakula said the State would begin construction of the first three sections of a new $23.8 million coastal walking trail from Fairhaven to Grey River, which is to feature five swing suspension bridges and is expected to attract an additional 50,000 people to the region in its first five years.
