The Andrews Labor Government is establishing an expert Taskforce to protect and grow the Great Ocean Road and fast-track the projects that attract visitors to the landmark attraction.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the Taskforce’s membership at the Barwon Regional Assembly. It’s a priority for the Regional Partnership, and for the first time it’s bringing together the key agencies responsible for the road.
The Great Ocean Road is high on the list of travellers from right around the world. A steady stream of visitors means more opportunities for cafes, motels, eco-tourism operators and other regional businesses.
The Taskforce will be co-chaired by former Victorian Ministers for Transport Terry Mulder and Peter Batchelor. Its primary goal will be to encourage more tourism and investment in the region.
It will also feature G21 Chief Executive Elaine Carbines, former Chair of Victorian Coastal Council Diane James AM, Great Ocean Road Tourism Chair Wayne Kayler-Thomson and the chief executives from five local councils.
The first role of the Taskforce will be to work out what is and isn’t working when it comes to creating opportunities for the tourist hot spot. The Taskforce will report back to the Labor Government before the end of the year – and then again with a final report in 2018.
The Taskforce will identify ways to improve tourism and investment and projects that will boost the local economy. The Taskforce will be charged with the role of boosting visitation to keep local businesses and traders busy – and creating jobs for locals.
The Labor Government is providing $1.3 million to establish the Taskforce, including $80,000 for local councils to speed up planning applications.
We are investing $53 million to improve the surface of the Great Ocean Road and stabilise the surrounding environment, with works including rock netting, soil nails and new retaining walls to reduce the chance of road closures due to land slips.
Victorian Government Media Release – 14 September 2017
