Port of Apollo Bay - July 2024

As at 1 July 2024, we the management responsibility of the Port of Apollo Bay was transferred to us from the Colac Otway Shire.

We’re pleased to share that we’ve been appointed to take on management responsibility for the Port of Apollo Bay. 

The port was formerly managed by Colac Otway Shire Council and transferred to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority), effective from 1 July 2024.  

This land is on Eastern Maar Country, located within the Registered Aboriginal Party area of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

We know that the Port of Apollo Bay is a much-loved and important place for 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?