Great news for the iconic Great Ocean Road. The Victorian Government has announced a commitment to create a standalone Act of Parliament that – for the first time – defines the coastal land and waters that encompass the Great Ocean Road; recognises that the region is a single, integrated and living entity; and makes the management of the region publicly accountable. Outlining the new Great Ocean Road (GOR) Action Plan on October 12, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said: “This action plan will protect the Great Ocean Road and its environment for the long-term and ensure we are prepared for the challenges this coastal environment will face in the years to come.”
The Plan includes a range of reforms to preserve and enrich the iconic region along Victoria’s south-west coast, including a dedicated agency with an independent board to protect the area and its environment. The GOR Action Plan also establishes a statutory requirement for a set of Environmental-Economic Accounts to be developed and maintained for the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks and a role for the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability to report periodically on the environmental condition of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks, as part of the regular Victorian State of the Environment reporting. Requirements we are particularly pleased to see included.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said: “This plan will stop overdevelopment along the coast and protect its rugged character for future generations.”
The plan follows 26 recommendations made by the independent Great Ocean Road Taskforce, which carefully considered community feedback provided in face-to-face conversations with 780 people and more an 570 submissions. Congratulations to the Great Ocean Road Taskforce co-chairs Hon Peter Batchelor, Hon Terry Mulder and members, DELWP secretariat and all involved in bringing this landmark reform for an iconic part of Victoria’s coastline, to fruition.
See full details in the link below: