Best practice the key to Split Point lighthouse tours EOI

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority assumed the role of Crown land manager for the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet from the Surf Coast Shire on 1 May 2024. 

At the time of transfer, there were no valid tenure arrangements in place for any operations or uses at the lighthouse. 

As the new land manager, we entered a lease arrangement with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in line with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to provide them with tenure of the lighthouse to deliver their maritime safety service. AMSA, in turn issued a Tourist Access Licence to the Authority which allows the delivery of lighthouse tours. This is typical practice between land managers and AMSA. 

This was a necessary step to ensure that we could subsequently issue a sub-license to an operator to continue the popular public tours of Split Point Lighthouse. 

To facilitate this transition, we have also conducted a comprehensive safety audit of the land parcel and inspected the structural integrity of the lighthouse. This included an independent capacity assessment to ensure that the number of patrons entering the lighthouse complied with health and safety standards. 

These measures were crucial in establishing the parameters for the safe operation of commercial guided tours from the lighthouse. 

Conducting business on Crown Land reserve is a special privilege, and the Authority is committed to upholding proper procedures in awarding this license. A public Expression of Interest (EOI) is currently open, inviting experienced operators interested in conducting lighthouse tours under this new sub-license to apply.  

The clause reserving the right for the Authority to operate tours from the lighthouse is a standard measure, and not unique to this EOI. It is to ensure that if a tour operator ceases operation, we can step in to ensure continuity of service for guests and the local community while planning for a new licensee to take over. 

EOI Applications close 5pm on Friday 2 August 2024. 

Quotes attributable to Director Community, Corporate Affairs and Visitor Economy Andy Mathers: 

“The popular tours of the Split Point Lighthouse are recognised as a cornerstone of the Aireys visitor experience, and we take seriously our health and safety responsibilities as the new Crown land manager. 

“The decision to run an open Expression of Interest is considered best practice, and in line with Victorian Government requirements to ensure a competitive process where all applicants are treated fairly and equally. 

This is about ensuring the appropriate checks and balances are in place to make sure that tours can operate safely and sustainably now and into the future.”