Community advisory forum to progress Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment

Published on 03 April 2024

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Knowledgeable people with a passion for the coast are encouraged to apply for an advisory forum that will help progress designs for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment.

A Community Reference Group (CRG) is being established to provide input on the community’s views and aspirations regarding the $12.61 million initiative.

The Geelong City Deal-funded project aims to create an improved visitor experience and broaden the commercial and recreational opportunities in the harbour precinct.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is encouraging people with skills in ecology or the environment, landscape or urban design, or open space thinking to nominate for the CRG.

Local knowledge, fishing and boating interests and a passion for the coast and Apollo Bay are also highly valued traits.

Expressions of Interest for the CRG are now being received via https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour

The creation of the CRG follows the completion of an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020.

The review found that design changes will be needed to ensure the works meet planning and environmental controls.

A Head Consultant will soon be appointed to work with key stakeholders to advance the project design.

Over a series of workshops, the CRG will help the project team to refine designs and prepare a draft Precinct Plan.

These will be presented to the wider community for feedback.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment is being delivered as part of the Geelong City Deal, which is a collaboration between the Australian Government, Victorian Government, local councils, the Authority and other key partners.

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

It is vital that we better understand the community’s aspirations and views, as we close in on designs for the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment.

“There is a lot of knowledgeable community members in Apollo Bay, and we encourage those with an interest in seeing this project succeed to nominate for the CRG.

“We want to put together a skilled and varied group to help our project team deliver the best outcomes for this valuable precinct.”