Partnership strengthens environmental stewardship

Published on 19 August 2026

 Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) have formalised a new partnership agreement, strengthening their shared commitment to protecting and enhancing the region's coast, catchments, waterways and communities.

The inaugural agreement recognises the significant opportunities for collaboration between the two organisations, which both play critical roles in environmental management and supporting thriving coastal communities along the Great Ocean Road coast.

The Chairs of Corangamite CMA and GORCAPA recently came together to sign the five-year partnership agreement, reaffirming their dedication to working together to achieve stronger environmental and community outcomes along the Great Ocean Road region.

The agreement reflects the organisations' shared focus on coastal adaptation, climate resilience, integrated environmental management and enabling communities to connect with and care for the environment.

The partnership supports two key objectives:

•Improving environmental and community outcomes; and

•Enhancing the capacity of both organisations to provide internal and regional leadership.

Priority areas identified under the agreement include:

•Developing and implementing Emergency Entrance Management Procedures for intermittent estuaries across the shared operating area;

•Collaborating on coastal climate change adaptation and resilience initiatives;

•Identifying natural capital and nature-based finance opportunities;

•Sharing research, monitoring, modelling and technical resources;

•Supporting staff development and knowledge sharing; and

•Strengthening nature and climate governance.

While the agreement formalises future collaboration, the two organisations already work closely together across a range of activities including estuary and waterway management, climate adaptation, and community engagement.

Quotes attributable to:

Libby Mears, Chair, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

"The Great Ocean Road coast and parks are among Victoria's most significant environmental and cultural landscapes, and their long-term health relies on strong partnerships across land, water and coastal management."

"This agreement provides a framework for GORCAPA and Corangamite CMA to align our efforts, share knowledge and work together on the challenges facing our region, particularly climate change adaptation and environmental stewardship."

Michael Watson, Chair, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

"Healthy catchments, waterways and coastlines are deeply interconnected, and this partnership recognises the value of taking an integrated approach to managing these important natural assets."

"Through greater collaboration, resource sharing and strategic alignment, we can improve environmental outcomes and deliver lasting benefits for the region's communities and ecosystems."