Draft Precinct Plan Released for Apollo Bay Harbour
Published on 07 May 2025
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is inviting the community to have its say on the future of Apollo Bay Harbour with the Draft Harbour Precinct Plan now open for public feedback.
Apollo Bay Harbour is a much-loved local landmark, valued by locals and visitors alike. GORCAPA will deliver vital upgrades to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming place for the community to enjoy well into the future.
Community input is central to this process. The Draft Plan, alongside an Opportunities and Constraints Report, details the key issues facing the harbour and proposes improvements to enhance public access, amenity, safety and the long-term functionality of this important working harbour.
Prepared by Antarctica Architects, the plan and report follow an independent review of the 2020 Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan, which recommended design changes to better align with current planning, operational and environmental requirements.
Project partner Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, along with key stakeholders including the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative and the Community Reference Group, have played a vital role in shaping the planning process – ensuring the project reflects the region’s cultural, community, environmental and economic values.
The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative—a cornerstone of Apollo Bay’s fishing industry and a popular seafood destination—will benefit from modernised facilities that support local fishers and elevate the visitor experience.
As part of the improvements, the existing roadway and parking area in front of the Co-Op will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly public promenade, boosting safety and enjoyment for all users.
A redesigned Mothers Beach car park will serve as the precinct’s main parking area, offering accessible parking and convenient access to the harbour, while supporting a more pedestrian-oriented environment around the breakwall.
Improved pedestrian and cycling connections will link the harbour directly to the town centre, making it safer and easier for locals and visitors to move between the foreshore and main street.
The Draft Plan and Opportunities and Constraints Report are available for review on our Have Your Say website, with community engagement open from Wednesday 7 May, to Sunday 1 June 2025.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback or attend one of several upcoming information sessions:
- Wednesday 14 May, 6:00–7:00pm (online)
- Friday 23 May, 3:00–6:00pm (Apollo Bay Golf Club)
- Saturday 24 May, 9:00am–1:00pm (Apollo Bay Market)
- Tuesday 27 May, 12:00–1:00pm (online)
To view the draft plan, register for a session, or provide feedback, visit:
https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour
All community input will inform the next phase of the project, with the final Precinct Plan to be released in mid-2025.
The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment 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.
Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Acting CEO Christine Ferguson
“The Fishermen’s Co-Op and the commercial fishing industry have long been at the heart of the harbour, and this redevelopment will ensure its continued success alongside other essential maritime activities.”
“Whether you live here, work here, or simply love this place — your feedback is crucial to shaping a redevelopment that honours the past while paving the way for a vibrant, thriving future.”