Anglesea (Coogoorah Park) - June and July 2024
We’re excited to share that we’ve been appointed to take on management responsibility for six land parcels, which includes both sides of the Anglesea River, north of the Great Ocean Road, and the large reserve area which makes up Coogoorah Park.
These land parcels formerly managed by Surf Coast Shire Council will transfer to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority), effective from 1 June 2024.
We have also been appointed to the Anglesea River (bed and banks), for the area south of the Great Ocean Road. This area has transferred from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to our management on 3 July 2024.
This land is on Waddawurrung Country, located within the Registered Aboriginal Party area of Waddawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The community should not notice any changes to the level of service in the maintenance of the land transitioning over to the Authority.
We know these are much-loved and important places in Anglesea for both the community and local stakeholders, and welcome knowledge and insights to help shape our future land management plans for the area.
Why are land management transfers taking place?
The coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road are so special, and so important to Victorians, that the Victorian Government established the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) as a dedicated coast and parks manager.
We will have responsibility to protect and manage visitation of the coast and parks along the full length of the Great Ocean Road, enabling a holistic approach to addressing the impacts of increasing visitation, environmental processes, severe weather events and climate change.
As the dedicated coast and parks manager our purpose is to protect, conserve, enhance and manage public land. We are also the designated lead agency for visitation management policy, planning and infrastructure by responsible entities along the Great Ocean Road.
All revenue raised on the land we manage is reinvested back into the Great Ocean Road coast and parks to ensure the special part of the state can be enjoyed now and for generations to come. This includes improved environmental, education, conservation and visitor services right along the coastline.
The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 provides for the management responsibility of approximately 700 parcels of land and sea be transferred to us by 1 November 2025.
Which land parcels will be transferred?
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Coogoorah Park - Main area from the playground over to the Anglesea River
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Coogoorah Park - east bank, main parcel adjoining Bingley Parade
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Coogoorah Park - Anglesea Riverbank boatsheds and fishing platforms
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Coogoorah Park – small portion near the main driveway on the west bank
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Coogoorah Park - Anglesea Riverbank – west side
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Coogoorah Park – small section from River Reserve Rd north
What will change following the land management transfers?
We have been working closely with Council to ensure the smooth transition of management responsibility for this land so you should not experience any change in the way you use the areas.
While our short-to-medium term management of this land will remain consistent with that applied by the previous land managers, we are engaging with community to best understand the areas and shape our management plans for the future.
We’re also working with Traditional Owners to respect the cultural values and aspirations of the land and waters.
As part of our increasing land management responsibilities in Anglesea we are seeking to understand the key cultural, social, environmental, and economic values and uses, as well as capturing the community interests and local significance attached to each parcel and asset.
Feedback from the community, visitors and stakeholders will help shape how we manage these parcels in the future.