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Addressing transport issues on the coast
Coastal User Transport Strategy | 2015
Project completed | 2015
Great Ocean Road Coast has developed a strategy for addressing transport issues on the coast.
How people get to the coast was identified as an issue as part of the process to prepare the Great Ocean Road Coast’s Coastal Management Plan (CMP). In response, an action to develop a transport strategy for the coast was identified in the CMP. Work to develop this strategy commenced in 2014.
In mid-2015 following several phases of development and extensive consultation, a final strategy was released. The strategy was prepared for Great Ocean Road Coast by engineering consultants GHD and will assist us in better managing car park access, demand, upgrades and maintenance along the coast as well as other associated issues.
The strategy is both important and timely given the predicted increased demand on coastal infrastructure as population on and visitation to the coast continues to increase.
Project documentation
Coastal User Transport Strategy | 2015
Appendices | 2015
Projects
Addressing transport issues on the coast
Great Ocean Road Renewal Project | 2015
Program completed | 2015
A three-year, $1.35 million program, to deliver four discrete projects – each critically important in their own right – supported by funding from the Australian Government.
The Great Ocean Road Renewal Program sought to address four of the biggest coastal issues identified in past environmental management plans which included:
- Environmental weeds
- Conservation and celebration of Aboriginal cultural heritage
- Climate change impacts
- Increasing demand for coastal recreation facilities.
Project details
Natural Values Project
This project aimed to reduce weed infestation and land degradation to ensure native vegetation is conserved for future generations. This included improving native vegetation communities along our coastal reserves by blitzing weeds over the next three years and boosting native plant species. It entailed establishing an experienced conservation team and providing the necessary equipment and strategic guidance afforded by our Native Vegetation and Weed Action Plan.
The Native Vegetation and Weed Action Plan assesses native vegetation and habitat values across Great Ocean Road Coast’s management area and prioritises management activities. The plan also assesses and maps threats by weeds, allowing the Committee to undertake an assets-based approach to conserving natural values.
Cultural Values Project
A cultural heritage management plan has been developed to provide the foundation for a better understanding of the coast’s Aboriginal heritage and sites, and an ongoing partnership with local Aboriginal groups. The project gathered information on existing registered sites, looked for new sites and filled in other gaps in our knowledge.
This information will provide management guidance for sites and help us to fulfill our coastal management obligations without jeopardising cultural materials or sites. The project will also allow us to work with traditional owners to bring cultural heritage to life through interpretation and cultural activities.
Surf Coast Coastal Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Project
The Coastal Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Project report forecasts the potential impacts of and guiding future responses to climate change on our coast. The study is the first climate change vulnerability assessment of the coast in the Surf Coast region, providing greater detail about the effects of projected sea level rise on this section of coast than has ever before been available.
The report used current sea level rise predictions to analyse potential future exposure of the 55km stretch of coastline between Torquay and Lorne based on two key hazards: flooding and erosion.Potential risks posed by these hazards to coastal assets such as built infrastructure, the natural environment, roads and heritage sites were assessed.
Torquay Tourism and Facilities Project
The new and improved facilities were designed to enhance beachgoers’ enjoyment and experiences of Torquay’s most popular beach, which has a tourism history spanning more than 100 years and faces ever-increasing recreational pressures.
The new ‘Third Wave Kiosk’ at the Torquay Surf Beach was officially opened in December 2011 signifying the completion of $480,000 of works to improve the standards, service levels and accessibility of facilities at the world-renowned Torquay Surf Beach.
GORCC, together with Darren Cheeseman MP, Federal Member for Corangamite, officially opened the kiosk which followed the refurbishment of the Surf Beach Toilet Block, and was undertaken in conjunction with the refurbishment of the existing green dressing shed building.
Media releases
8 March 2012 | Funding boost for coast conservation
23 February 2012 | New manual for cultural heritage conservation
6 December 2011 | Surf beach kiosk officially open
Projects
Addressing transport issues on the coast
Beach Access Ramps | 2017
Survey completed | 2017
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is seeking feedback from beachgoers on how they use the three main boat ramps along the Great Ocean Road to help guide future planning in the area.
User feedback was sought earlier in 2017 on three boat ramps along the Great Ocean Road:
- Fishermans Beach, Torquay
- Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, Point Roadknight
- Port of Lorne, Lorne
Erosion mitigation, traffic control and pedestrian use will be assessed for safety concerns, frequency of use and type of use.
On site consultation and observations will also be conducted over summer for additional information.
Media Release
11 January 2017 | Time to have your say in boat ramp usage
Maritime Safety Victoria Senior Project Officer Geoffrey Swanton said authorities are reminding beachgoers to be aware of people launching and retrieving boats from the ramps.
“There are several instances especially on the west coast where boat access ramps are installed to enable vessels to access a beach for launching and retrieval, which can result in conflict both in the water and on the beach” he said.
In Victoria, a person must not bathe within 50 metres of a boat ramp that is about or is being used for launching or retrieving vessels.
More than 200 people completed the online survey. Results are currently being analysed and will be referred to for future planning at each site.
Projects
Addressing transport issues on the coast
Surf Coast Walk | 2012
Project completed | 2012
A joint project between the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, Surf Coast Shire and other partners to upgrade and extend the Surf Coast Walk is now complete.
The redevelopment of the Surf Coast Walk has been made possible thanks to $800,000 in funding from Regional Development Victoria, $280,000 from the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, and $270,000 from the Surf Coast Shire and support from a range of partners, including Parks Victoria.
Visit the official Surf Coast Walk website
About the Surf Coast Walk
The redevelopment of the Surf Coast Walk has transformed the quality of the track and associated facilities resulting in a world-class walking track that offers easy access to the natural beauty of the coast.
Locals and visitors alike will benefit from the track, which puts a stunning and unique coastal environment within easy reach and stretches from Pt Impossible to Fairhaven.
The walk offers the best of both worlds – you can explore inspiring landscapes on the edge of our beautiful Great Ocean Road and remain connected to the town comforts of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.