If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid direct contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is responsible for protecting and managing the environmental, cultural and community values of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks. Most visitors use these areas responsibly and help protect the places they enjoy. However, activities that damage natural, cultural or community assets can have lasting impacts on the environment, wildlife, visitor safety and public enjoyment.
To support the protection of these areas, GORCAPA has trained Authorised Officers. Authorised Officers are appointed under the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 to administer and enforce relevant legislation within GORCAPA-managed land and waters.
When exercising statutory powers, Authorised Officers will identify themselves and, where required, produce their official identification.
Compliance Operations
GORCAPA undertakes routine and targeted compliance operations throughout the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
Compliance activities may include patrols, education programs, inspections, monitoring, and planned multi-agency operations. These operations may focus on identified risks, seasonal issues, visitor safety concerns, environmental protection, or emerging compliance trends.
GORCAPA's compliance activities may focus on a range of issues, including:
Protection of native vegetation and wildlife.
Illegal vehicle access and off-road driving.
Damage to public assets and infrastructure.
Unauthorised camping or occupation of public land.
Littering and illegal dumping.
Fire and public safety offences.
Activities that harm cultural heritage or environmentally sensitive areas.
Breaches of park, reserve or coastal management regulations.
Where appropriate, GORCAPA may work alongside Victoria Police, the Conservation Regulator, DEECA, EPA Victoria and other partner agencies to address unlawful activities and protect public land, natural values and community safety.
Reporting Suspected Offences
Community information plays an important role in protecting the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
If you witness activities that may be causing environmental damage, threatening wildlife, damaging public assets or otherwise breaching regulations, please contact GORCAPA.
Reports can be submitted via the GORCAPA Contact Us form, by telephone or by email.
Phone: 1300 736 533
Email: info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
Online: GORCAPA Contact Us form
When making a report, it is helpful to provide:
The location of the incident.
The date and time observed.
Vehicle registration details (if safe to obtain).
A description of the individuals involved.
Photographs or other evidence where available and lawfully obtained.
If the incident involves an emergency, immediate risk to public safety, or criminal activity, contact Victoria Police on 000.
Infringement Notices
What is an infringement notice and why did I receive one?
An infringement notice (commonly known as a fine) may be issued when an Authorised Officer reasonably believes that a person has committed an offence for which an infringement notice is available under Victorian legislation.
Infringement notices are intended to address lower-level offending without requiring court proceedings. They provide an alternative to prosecution and allow matters to be resolved without a criminal conviction being recorded.
The infringement system in Victoria is governed by the Infringements Act 2006.
Authorised Officers appointed by GORCAPA may issue infringement notices for prescribed offences when appropriate to do so.
For more information regarding infringement notices and the infringements system see the Victorian Government fines website.
What are my options if I have received an infringement notice?
If you receive an infringement notice, you may be able to:
Pay in full.
Apply for a payment arrangement or payment plan.
Apply for an internal review.
Elect to have the matter heard in court.
Information about the options available and applicable timeframes will be provided on the infringement notice.
The options available to you may depend on the stage of the infringement process and the circumstances of your matter. Please refer to your infringement notice for specific instructions and timeframes.
Pay the Penalty
If you pay the penalty by the due date, the matter is generally finalised and no further action will be taken in relation to the infringement notice.
Information on how to pay is provided on the infringement notice.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a payment arrangement or payment plan through Fines Victoria. Details of payment options are available on the infringement notice and through the Victorian Government fines website.
Apply for an Internal Review
You may apply for an internal review if you believe there are grounds for the infringement notice to be withdrawn or varied.
Applications for internal review are considered in accordance with the Infringements Act 2006.
A review may be sought on one of the following grounds:
Contrary to law.
Mistaken identity.
Exceptional circumstances.
Special circumstances.
Person unaware of fine.
Applications must be submitted in accordance with the requirements set out on the infringement notice.
Possible Outcomes of an Internal Review
Following an internal review, the reviewing officer may:
withdraw the infringement notice and refer the matter to court;
confirm the decision to issue the infringement notice;
withdraw the infringement notice and serve an official warning in its place;
withdraw the infringement notice and take no further action;
waive all or any prescribed costs;
approve a payment plan through Fines Victoria; or
any combination of these actions.
You will be notified in writing of the outcome of the review.
Elect to Have the Matter Heard in Court
You may choose to have the alleged offence determined by a court rather than resolve the matter by infringement notice.
If you elect to have the matter heard in court, the infringement notice will generally be withdrawn and the matter may proceed by prosecution. If the offence is proven, the court may impose penalties, costs or other orders available under law.
You should seek independent legal advice if you are considering this option.
Special Circumstances
Special circumstances are defined by the Infringements Act 2006 and may include:
Certain mental or intellectual disabilities, disorders, diseases or illnesses.
Serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substances.
Homelessness.
Family violence.
Long-term circumstances that make it impracticable to deal with the infringement notice and do not solely relate to financial hardship.
What Happens if I Ignore an Infringement Notice?
If you do not pay the infringement notice, apply for a review, enter into a payment arrangement, or elect to have the matter heard in court within the required timeframes, additional fees and enforcement action may apply.
Unpaid infringement notices may progress through the Victorian infringements system administered by Fines Victoria.
Work and Development Permits
A Work and Development Permit (WDP) may be available to eligible people experiencing hardship or disadvantage. Information about the scheme can be obtained from the Victorian Government fines website.
Complaints and Feedback
GORCAPA is committed to professional, fair and respectful compliance and enforcement practices.
If you wish to provide feedback, make a complaint about the conduct of an Authorised Officer, or raise concerns about a compliance matter, please contact us.
We will assess all complaints in accordance with our complaints handling processes and respond appropriately to the issues raised.
A complaint does not automatically suspend an infringement notice or other enforcement action. If you have received an infringement notice and wish to dispute it, you should follow the review or court election processes described on the notice.
Contact us:
Online: Submit an enquiry or complaint via the GORCAPA Contact Us form