Colac Otway Shire Council has approved the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan, paving the way for the $12-million City Deal funded project to proceed and transform the town's iconic working harbour precinct.
The draft development plan, which had been created following extensive community consultation and stakeholder involvement, was placed on public exhibition for six weeks from August 26.
The adopted development plan responds to 70 submissions, of which 42 were generally supportive and 15 suggested changes, with minor revisions including the reconfiguration of car parking, and clarification of the Fishermen's Co-op building expansion and car park landscaping.
Colac Mayor Cr Kate Hanson said the final plan for Apollo Bay's harbour precinct was the result of years of community engagement and input, and the transformation would play a key role in the region's tourism future.
"There have been plans and discussion around redeveloping the harbour for decades, and we finally have a plan that will really enhance the precinct and showcase the working harbour," Cr Hanson said.
"To reach this stage where we have the funding and the plans to deliver a fantastic, community-supported project at such a crucial time for Apollo Bay and tourism, is really significant.
"This is an exciting time for Colac Otway Shire, and I congratulate everyone involved – Council officers, Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project Control Group, the Port of Apollo Bay Consultative Committee, the Apollo Bay Golf Club Committee, other agencies and the wider community.
"The support of G21 in assisting Colac Otway to secure the City Deal funding for the redevelopment has also been invaluable, because without the State and Federal investment in Apollo Bay, the plan would never have become a reality.
"This development will provide a major boating, recreational and visitor destination for Apollo Bay and the region, whilst protecting the landscape, environment, heritage and authenticity of the harbour."
Key features of the harbour redevelopment include:
- Upgrading of the Mother's Beach car park;
- Relocation/upgrade of the Port Operations Depot building, including new public toilets;
- Harbour precinct entry road upgrade;
- Breakwater Road upgrade;
- Provision or upgrade of pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting the Harbour precinct with Apollo Bay (Nelson Street), including interpretative signage;
- A new boardwalk along the water's edge;
- Extension of the Fisherman's Co-operative building;
- Replacement of fencing in the harbour;
- Utility upgrades.
The adoption of the Development Plan at the December Council Meeting enables Council to start the detailed design and consent processes for the harbour projects.
Colac Otway Shire Council is also developing an Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan, which includes the harbour development plan, to guide infrastructure development for the next 20 to 30 years.
The draft CIP report is expected to be presented to Council by mid-2021 and will include consideration of access between the harbour and Apollo Bay township, which was a key issue raised during the Harbour development plan consultation.
