The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) was established on 1 December 2020 to deliver better protection and management of the iconic coast and parks of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
In partnership with the Traditional Owners, its role is to manage, protect and foster resilience of the natural, cultural and heritage values of coastal Crown land and marine waters along the Great Ocean Road.
Simplifying the complex and fragmented governance of the Great Ocean Road was a key priority issue for establishing the Authority. Prior to the reforms, there were 30 responsible organisations with accountabilities along the Great Ocean Road. This management model created challenges in planning and delivering for the future in a coordinated manner.
The reforms have expanded the functions and powers to manage public land of all types within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks. The Authority’s role is to simplify these fragmented and conflicting management arrangements and deliver on a shared vision for the future of the entire Great Ocean Road region.
This includes:
– Guiding sustainable tourism, supporting local employment, and enhancing the visitor experience
– Strengthening the protection of land and seascapes from the impacts of climate change
– Improving economic development for a prosperous and liveable region.
As a public land manager for the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, the Authority manages a wide variety of public land from National Parks to coastal beaches and town foreshores.
All revenue raised through its commercial endeavours is reinvested back into the coast to ensure the Great Ocean Road region can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.