Community Helping Shape Apollo Bay Harbour

Published on 18 July 2025

Community voices are helping shape the future of the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has released a detailed engagement report outlining community values and feedback received from the public on the Apollo Bay Harbour draft Precinct Plan.

Between 7 May and 1 June 2025, 13 local information sessions and meetings were held, with more than 100 survey responses and submissions received.

Clear feedback emerged, including:

• a strong desire to protect the harbour’s authentic character and working identity while promoting the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and local maritime history

• the need for practical, accessible public amenities, improved pedestrian safety and connectivity; and careful management of vehicle access

• the desire for sensitive upgrades to the Co-Op and Depot buildings

• support for continued access to Mothers Beach.

Feedback will inform the final plan, helping to ensure that future upgrades reflect community needs while respecting the harbour’s unique identity and setting. The final plan as well as detailed designs, will be released in August.

The project will revitalise the harbour precinct, improve public access to the coastline and provide benefits for the working port and local economy. The project forms part of the $676 million Geelong City Deal, a collaborative initiative between the Australian and Victorian Governments, local councils, and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

Project details and the engagement report are available here: Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO Christine Ferguson

“Thanks to everyone for their great feedback. It is clear locals want to see this project get moving and have given us some invaluable advice about how to deliver it in a way that reflects their aspirations for this iconic site.”