Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment moves ahead

Published on 23 February 2024

Apollo Bay locals will be invited to join a new Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, with the project entering the next phase of delivery.

The call for Expressions of Interest for the new CRG follows the completion of an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020, marking a crucial step forward for the project.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020 was developed as part of a community infrastructure planning project by the Colac Otway Shire Council to create vibrant and sustainable public spaces for locals and visitors.

The City Deal funding allows key elements of the development plan to be brought to life.

To ensure that these elements would achieve all necessary consents, a review of the plan was required to ensure the project’s success.

The review found that design amendments are needed to ensure current planning and environmental controls are met.

The review provides clarity on what refinements may be required to further progress designs while ensuring the upgrades deliver for local businesses and community and meet overall project outcomes, including increasing the capacity of commercial operations and recreational offerings, and supporting the growth in the visitor economy.

The Authority will now appoint a Head Consultant to lead the next phase of planning and design, with the ideal appointee an industry expert that will bring experience in urban design, landscape architecture, and architectural services.

The Head Consultant will consider the review findings and determine any necessary changes to the project designs working closely with Council, key stakeholders including the Fishermen’s Cooperative, Traditional Owners and the new CRG as the project enters its next phase of delivery.

The Great Ocean Road projects are being delivered as part of the Geelong City Deal, a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian Government and Victorian Government, and local council with the Authority and key partners.

Expressions of Interest for the new CRG will open on Tuesday 26 March via the Authority’s Have Your Say website www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour

Quotes Attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO, Jodie Sizer

“"As we embark on the next phase of the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment with all stakeholders and community our focus is clear; to transform the harbour into a thriving precinct for all.”

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative, Council, locals and the new Community Reference Group, to deliver an outstanding outcome that we can all be proud of.”

Quotes Attributable to Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative, Markus Nolle

“The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op has been here for 75 years, and this project not only secures the future for the Co-op in Apollo Bay itself, but it also secures the future of the fishing industry in Victoria.”

“This news is great for the Co-Op, it’s great for the town, it’s great for the community and it’s great for future generations of young people looking to live and work here.”