Lorne Foreshore Master Plan

Background

The Lorne foreshore is Crown land managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) and is of significance socially, economically and environmentally to both residents and visitors.

The foreshore accommodates large public and community events including the annual Pier to Pub and Lorne Sculpture Biennale. The foreshore is subject to seasonal variation from an area of intense activity at peak holiday times, to an everyday resource for local community use.

The foreshore has a dynamic and fragile natural environment that supports ecology and habitat and is subject to climate change, including storm surge events and sea-level rise.

Master plan project

GORCC is currently developing a new master plan for the Lorne foreshore, as the existing master plan is now 20 years old. A new master plan will identify works to improve the area and consider accessibility, use and enjoyment, guiding management of the precinct over the next 10-15 years.

Following initial consultation over summer 2017-18, the project study area has been extended from just the central foreshore, to include the entire foreshore area bounded by Erskine River-Swing Bridge precinct, Mountjoy Parade and the Point Grey precinct.

Further community and stakeholder consultation took place throughout January and February 2019 to identify issues and opportunities that needed to be considered in developing the Lorne Foreshore Master Plan. Feedback received during this round of consultation has helped inform the development and design of the draft master plan.

Feedback was sought through multiple channels, including three community consultation sessions in Lorne, an online survey, meetings with community and agency groups, and significant digital and media promotion.

The key themes highlighted included upgrading the Doug Stirling Walk, retaining public open space, new and upgraded facilities and improving path connectivity and accessibility.

A new authority, Great Ocean Road Coast and Park Authority (GORCPA), is due to commence in 2020, replacing GORCC and other land managers along the Great Ocean Road. GORCPA will become the Crown land manager and therefore be responsible for the management of the foreshore, and implementation of the plan moving forward. A clear delivery plan that stages works over the life of the master plan will be presented to GORCPA.

Community consultation

GORCC sought community and stakeholder feedback on the Lorne Foreshore Draft Master Plan during July and August 2019. Feedback closed on Sunday 25 August 2019. Feedback received during this consultation period will inform the development of the final master plan.

Next steps

Following community and stakeholder consultation over summer and winter 2018-19, the key next steps are:

• Finalise master plan and obtain required statutory approvals
• Release final approved master plan
• Commence implementation.

Project documentation

• Draft master plan

Current Lorne projects

View a summary of all current projects in Lorne.