ALP flags new GOR agency if returned
LABOR has announced it will introduce a dedicated agency to manage the Great Ocean Road if returned to government in the November election.
Labor’s plan follows the Coalition announcing in August that it would establish its own body to manage the crown land along the Great Ocean Road if it wins November’s poll.
Under the Labor plan, the process for planning approvals along the popular tourism route would be strengthened to stop “inappropriate” development and encourage environmental sustainability.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio is today set to join Tourism Minister John Eren in Lorne to launch Labor’s Great Ocean Road Action Plan.
“This action plan will protect the Great Ocean Road and its environment for the long term, and ensure we are prepared for the challenges this coastal environment will face in the years to come,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
Under the plan, stand-alone legislation will recognise the landscapes of the Great Ocean Road as one entity with an independent board to oversee the management agency.
Labor’s proposal follows 26 recommendations made by the independent Great Ocean Road Taskforce, which considered community feedback from 780 people and more than 570 submissions.
Tourism Minister John Eren said: “(The plans) is about preserving and enriching the natural beauty of this iconic destination which attracts so many visitors from Victoria, Australia and around the world every year.”
The authority would replace functions of existing organisations managing the coast, including local government, Parks Victoria, DELWP and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee.