Victoria’s number one tourist destination will be given a major overhaul to create jobs, preserve the environment and support local communities impacted by the 2015 Great Ocean Road Bushfires.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, today announced a $9.8 million investment in Victoria’s iconic Shipwreck Coast.
This will deliver Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, which will create 120 new jobs and boost the regional economy by $12 million a year over the next 20 years through sustainable tourism.
The Shipwreck Coast is a 28 km stretch along the state’s south-west coast that incorporates the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell and the Blowhole.
The region attracts 2.6 million visitors a year but the average visitor stays less than 40 minutes and spends only 18 cents.
The Andrews Labor Government’s $9.8 million investment will encourage longer, overnight stays and increase spending in local communities along the Great Ocean Road by providing a greater range of tourism experiences and world-class facilities. This includes:
- A new world class lookout at the Twelve Apostles
- A new lookout over ‘The Blowhole’ visitor site, allowing it to be reopened to the public
- A new pedestrian bridge over Campbell’s Creek in Port Campbell and new connecting trails in the area
- Telecommunications, WiFi and a digital interpretation platform focussed on the Twelve Apostles
The Government’s investment is a show of confidence in communities that were impacted by the 2015 Christmas Day bushfires at Wye River and Separation Creek and sends a clear signal that the area is open for business.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Shipwreck Coast is an international tourist destination and this investment will help strengthen the local economy through sustainable tourism. It sends a clear signal that local communities impacted by the 2015 Christmas Day bushfires are open for business.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia’s most recognisable tourist icons and the country’s third most visited attraction behind the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef. This investment will improve the visitor experience but also grow the regional economy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“The visitor economy is crucial to our state and employs around 114,000 regional Victorians. Investments like this ensure tourism will continue to thrive in our great state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020