Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment

We have taken on delivery of three highly anticipated Geelong City Deal funded projects along the Great Ocean Road.  This includes the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment project.

The $12.61 million redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour will provide an improved visitor experience and broaden the commercial and recreational opportunities in the precinct.

In June 2023, we were provided $10.19 million to deliver four elements of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan, including:

· An extension of the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Cooperative building to accommodate an approved commercial offering in line with Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and Policy requirements

· Relocation of the Port Operations Depot from its existing location to the Mother’s Beach carpark;

· Construction of the Waterfront Promenade

· Improved pedestrian and transport connections around the Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct.

The $10.19 million represents the balance of available funding transferred to us after accounting for project expenditure incurred by Colac Otway Shire Council (Council). We thank and acknowledge Council for their work on the project to date.

This project is being delivered as part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal, a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian Government and Victorian Government, and local council with the Authority and key partners.

Current status

The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment is moving ahead. Apollo Bay locals will be invited to join a new Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, with the project entering the next phase of delivery.

The call for Expressions of Interest for the new CRG follows the completion of an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020, marking a crucial step forward for the project.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020 was developed as part of a community infrastructure planning project by the Colac Otway Shire Council to create vibrant and sustainable public spaces for locals and visitors.

The City Deal funding allows key elements of the development plan to be brought to life.

To ensure that these elements would achieve all necessary consents, a review of the plan was required to ensure the project’s success.

The review found that design amendments are needed to ensure current planning and environmental controls are met.

The review provides clarity on what refinements may be required to further progress designs while ensuring the upgrades deliver for local businesses and community and meet overall project outcomes, including increasing the capacity of commercial operations and recreational offerings, and supporting the growth in the visitor economy.

The Authority will now appoint a Head Consultant to lead the next phase of planning and design, with the ideal appointee an industry expert that will bring experience in urban design, landscape architecture, and architectural services.

The Head Consultant will consider the review findings and determine any necessary changes to the project designs working closely with Council, key stakeholders including the Fishermen’s Cooperative, Traditional Owners and the new CRG as the project enters its next phase of delivery.

Expressions of Interest for the new CRG will open on Tuesday 26 March via the Have Your Say website - link below.