The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority – which supports 126 jobs across the region − has hit the ground running, delivering visitor infrastructure upgrades and gearing up for a bumper holiday season.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today officially opened the authority’s new headquarters in Torquay and met with staff to discuss projects being delivered along the coast.

The authority is already delivering improvements to coastal infrastructure that will benefit local communities and visitors. This includes upgrades to caravan park facilities, new beach access stairs, walkways, ramps, and lookouts.

It’s going to be a bumper holiday season for local businesses across the area with bookings at the eight caravan parks managed by the authority at 100 per cent for the school holidays.

A dedicated parks manager has also been established for the coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road − a key part of the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark reforms to improve management of the area.

Before this, management was fragmented across multiple competing agencies, with no over-arching plan or single authority covering the entire length of the road.

The changes mean the area’s special environment will be better protected with a coordinated approach to managing the visitor experience, investment, conservation, visitation numbers and community engagement.

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

“It’s exciting to see the Great Ocean Road Authority team already delivering improvements on the ground that benefit the environment and local communities across the region.”

Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman

“The authority is helping the region bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic by stimulating the nature-based tourism economy and supporting local jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“It’s great to see how many tourists have already made plans for visiting sites managed by the authority. This will drive the local economy and create jobs.”