Phony tender process claim
Government slammed as EOI dumped
THE State Government has been slammed for holding a “sham” public tender process for the Cape Otway lighthouse.
Parks Victoria this week withdraw its expression of interest process for a future lease and licence to manage the lighthouse precinct, instead deciding to take it on.
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan criticised the decision, particularly for booting out current manager Tourism Great Ocean Road, which had turned the precinct into a thriving tourist destination over its 22-year lease.
“At a time when our region is calling out for activities and investment, this Government is knocking back proven private sector investment in an important part of our tourism experience,” Mr Riordan said.
“Today much-needed confidence in tourism businesses operating around our parks and public places will be gutted. This is the second well-run iconic business in the Otways in as many years, to be stolen back in a phony tender process.
“This will cost taxpayers millions of dollars, in lost revenue and income. And mean less money for much-needed improvements in our Otway National Park.”
Tourism Great Ocean Road director Matt Bowker said the group had hoped to continue managing the site, after spending “way over” $20 million on improving, updating and operating the precinct.
“We do want to (continue to) run it, we’ve run it for 22 years and done a bloody good job and employed a lot of people and improved the place out of sight from what we took on,” Mr Bowker said.
He said that while Parks Victoria’s decision was “disappointing”, he was focusing on what would happen to the 30 staff members.
“I’ve asked Parks for a really clear indication of what their plans are for our staff,” he said.
“The security of their jobs is actually the most important thing for me at the moment.”
In a Parks Victoria letter to stakeholders who submitted expressions of interest to manage the site, the government body said it had decided to take over the site itself due to a “change in direction”.
“Parks Victoria has made the decision to withdraw the Cape Otway expression of interest, terminate this EOI process and will be managing the Cape Otway Lightstation precinct directly,” the letter read.
“The decision to withdraw the Cape Otway Lightstation EOI is based on a change in direction and has no bearing on the quality of the proposals received, in particular, the submissions which had been short-listed and endorsed to progress to stage two.”
In the letter, Parks Victoria said Tourism Great Ocean Road was “highly regarded” by the organisation
“Through their dedication to the site, they have helped bring the lighthouse precinct to life, work with traditional owners, increase visitation during their tenure and offer wonderful visitor experiences.” the letter said.
“Parks Victoria is committed to working with Tourism Great Ocean Road on options for the transition and timing of the site to direct Parks Victoria management.”