Community Input Shapes Kennett River Infrastructure Improvements

Published on 16 April 2025

Community voices are shaping the future of tourism infrastructure at Kennett River, with the release of two Engagement Reports, following strong interest in the draft Precinct Plan and Caravan Park Master Plan.

Over three weeks in March, community engagement for the draft Precinct Plan attracted strong community interest, with over 1,000 visits to the project webpage, 95 survey responses, 65 participants joining the online information sessions, and targeted discussions with licenced tour operators.

Locals, businesses, visitors, and tour operators provided thoughtful feedback on a range of themes, which will help refine plans that balance environmental protection, public safety, traffic improvements, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Overall, the proposed parking arrangements in the draft Precinct Plan, including the reduction in the total number of car parks and the removal of large coaches, were well received and seen as an improvement on previous plans.

Key feedback included support for:

Improved parking near the café and enhanced bicycle parking

Removal of large coaches from the precinct, particularly during peak times, with some noting their off-peak value to local businesses

Shared walking and cycling paths and safer pedestrian crossings—especially on Hawdon Avenue

Landscaping that supports native wildlife, uses natural materials, and guides visitor movement

Creating a community-friendly hub around Kafe Koala, with picnic areas, event space, shade, bins, and bike racks

Water sustainability, including rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse

There were differing views on the proposed long vehicle parking bay. While some saw potential for it to be moved to the opposite side of the roadway and repurposed as a dual-use loading area with a 15-minute limit, others questioned its necessity.

Additional suggestions for road and parking improvements included adding a DDA-compliant (accessible) parking bay on the service road and designing parking spaces to be multi-purpose so that cars and motorcycles can share the same bays.

The proposed upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the caravan park were supported, with an emphasis on sustainable water use and protecting the Kennett River estuary.

This feedback will now inform final refinements to both plans before the project moves into detailed design.

Early construction works are scheduled to begin in May 2025.

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Acting CEO Andy Mathers

“The Kennett River community has sent a clear message: this is a place of natural beauty, and the way we welcome visitors must reflect that.”

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to help shape a sustainable, accessible, and locally informed precinct plan and caravan park master plan.”