The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled new designs for tourist facilities along the Shipwreck Coast, improving experiences for the growing number of visitors to the region.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio revealed designs today for infrastructure projects at Twelve Apostles’ Saddle Lookout, the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge and the Blowhole Lookout, as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.

Parks Victoria is now calling for expressions of interest for construction of facilities at the Saddle Lookout and the Pedestrian Bridge, while work at the Blow Hole will proceed in Stage Two of the plan.

Each year, more people visit the Great Ocean Road region than Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef combined, and in the year ending June 2017, its 5.8 million visitors spent $1.3 billion supporting 11,200 jobs in the region.

The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is a program to protect the coastline between Princetown and the Bay of Islands. Over time, it will deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending and the creation of 3,834 Victorian jobs.

Local artist Vicki Couzens drew inspiration from black and white cockatoos – totemic to the tribes of the Eastern Maar – for the design of the Twelve Apostles lookout, while the Blowhole Lookout replicates a breaching whale, with the seating to reflect the barnacles on its back.

For more information about the Ship Wreck Coast masterplan, visit parkweb.vic.gov.au. For information on the Expression of Interest process for construction of the new infrastructure, visit tenders.vic.gov.au.

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

“These world class designs will deliver better facilities for visitors to the Great Ocean Road.”

“We’re working in partnership with Traditional Owners to manage our parks and improve nature-based tourism.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism John Eren

“The Shipwreck Coast is one of the most treasured parts of our state and we’re ensuring it can cater to everyone who wants to visit.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“These wonderfully designed new facilities will make visiting the Shipwreck Coast even more enjoyable.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Jamie Lowe

“The coastline and rock formations were sites of great significance where traditional custodians performed ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal.”

“Recognising and partnering with Traditional Owners in such designs not only represents an opportunity for bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together, it is an opportunity to showcase an internationally iconic landscape in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way that maximises tourism potential.”