Land transfers across the Great Ocean Road coast and parks
Published on 08 July 2024
Several key land parcels previously managed by Parks Victoria are now being overseen by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
The areas – taking in key sites from Port Campbell to Torquay – were transferred on 1 July.
Both organisations, with the support of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, have worked collaboratively to make the transition as smooth as possible for employees and the wider community.
For the time being, the community will continue to see Parks Victoria staff in these areas, as they will maintain their role in monitoring and caring for the land.
As the appointed land manager, we will be responsible for replacing and upgrading assets and delivering a coordinated and strategic approach across the region’s coast and parks.
We will be working with the Rights Holders and the wider community to understand the key cultural, social, environmental, and economic values and uses of each parcel.
The land parcels include:
Port of Port Campbell
The Port of Port Campbell consists of two Crown land parcels, including the jetty and access road.
It is an active port, servicing seasonal commercial fishing operators and a larger number of recreational boat users.
Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve
Covering about 26 hectares, the reserve features remnant heathland, wetlands and eucalyptus woodlands, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
It is a high value conservation site, featuring remnant vegetation that was once more extensive across Apollo Bay and Marengo. The Reserve adjoins the Apollo Bay Airfield, which we also manage.
Karaaf Wetlands
The Karaaf Wetlands is a high value conservation site that adjoins Thompson Creek estuary and Point Impossible, in Torquay. It has been managed by Parks Victoria for about 20 years.
Other parcels include Curdies Inlet, at Peterborough, and the Anglesea Bushland Reserve.
The Victorian Government established the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority as a dedicated coast and parks manager, to protect and enhance these special areas.
Before we were established, land management was fragmented and complex, with 11 different entities responsible for various parts of the coast.
Land management transfers from other entities are regularly occurring, as we continue to progress towards our full responsibility by 1 November 2025.
By then, we will be managing about 700 parcels of land and sea – totalling more than 150,000 hectares - along the full length of the Great Ocean Road.
This will deliver benefits through a more coordinated and holistic management approach, ensuring visitation is environmentally sustainable and that the liveability of local communities is protected
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.
Community members can share their valuable knowledge and follow our land management transfers by visiting https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/land-transfers