The headquarters of the new authority that will manage the iconic coasts and parks along the Great Ocean Road will be in Torquay.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is a key part of the Andrews Labor Government’s once in a generation reforms to protect this special part of the state for future generations.

The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Bill 2019 was introduced into Parliament last year and passed through the Legislative Assembly last night.

The legislation will reform the management of the Great Ocean Road with the GORCAPA delivering a more coordinated and sustainable approach to land and visitor management.

Existing management arrangements for the road are complex and fragmented, with 11 different Crown land managers having responsibility along the length of the road with no clear overarching plan.

The GORCAPA will have district offices in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell as well as operational bases in other coastal towns along the road.

All staff working for existing committees of management that will be eventually incorporated into GORCAPA will retain their jobs, conditions and working locations.

The Great Ocean Road is an international tourism drawcard with more visitors each year than Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef combined. Like many popular tourist sites, it is facing increasing pressures from increasing visitor numbers, natural processes and the impacts of climate change.

The reforms are about managing these pressures and ensuring the road continues to bring visitors to Victoria, while delivering benefits for the local communities in the region.

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Torquay will be a fantastic home for this new Authority, which will ensure these iconic coasts, parks and scenic landscapes are properly managed and protected for future generations.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“The Great Ocean Road is one of our most popular tourism destinations and this new authority will help to diversify tourism and economic development in the region.”  

Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman

“The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic coastal drives in the world – I welcome the headquarters of the new authority being in Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.”