Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment

Project background

We have taken on delivery of three highly anticipated Geelong City Deal funded projects along the Great Ocean Road, including 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 car park;

· 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 Authority will soon appoint a Head Consultant to lead the next phase of planning and design for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment.

In conjunction with the Authority, the Head Consultant will work with key stakeholders to help inform and prepare a draft Precinct Plan.

These key stakeholders include the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

A new Community Reference Group will also provide their knowledge and share the community’s values and aspirations during this stage.

This progress follows the completion of an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan (2020).

The City Deal funding allows key elements of the 2020 plan, overseen by the Colac Otway Shire Council, to be realised.

However, the review found that design amendments are needed to ensure that features of the plan can be delivered in line with current planning and environmental controls. 

Appointment of Head Consultant

The Authority will shortly appoint a Head Consultant to lead the next phase of planning and design.

The Head Consultant will consider the findings of the review into the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020.

In conjunction with the Authority, they will work with key stakeholders to determine any necessary changes to the project designs and prepare a draft Precinct Plan.

These key stakeholders include the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op and a new Community Reference Group.

Community Reference Group

Apollo Bay locals were invited to join a new Community Reference Group (CRG), with the project entering the next phase of delivery.

The CRG will provide their knowledge and share the community’s values and aspirations during this stage of the planning and design process.

Expressions of Interest for the CRG have closed and are being evaluated.

Independent Review complete

We have undertaken an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020.

The review was the first key deliverable of the new funding agreement.

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