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. This will deliver:

• Upgrades and minor extension to the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Cooperative building to accommodate an improved commercial offering and visitor experience with an improved outdoor terrace, which provides additional space and seating.
• Construction of enhanced public open spaces, including a new public viewing deck extending over the depot roof.
• Improvements to the existing Port Operations Depot, including facilities which create a safer workplace and provide greater visual access to the working harbour and slipway.
• Maximise public car parking at the Mothers Beach car park and provide 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 $676.15 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 has appointed a Head Consultant, Antarctica Architects, to lead the next phase of planning and design for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment.

In conjunction with the Authority, Antarctica Architects 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.

Establishing in July, 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.