Visitors to Victoria's south-west will soon have another place to view the dramatic scenery of Shipwreck Coast with tenders sought for a new lookout in the Port Campbell National Park.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $5.5 million towards the project on Kirrae Wurrung Country that will be delivered as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.
The new lookout will bring visitors up-close to 'The Blowhole', a deep cutting in the land that fills with roaring water from the Southern Ocean when tides are strong.
The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation led the design of the lookout, ensuring the environmental and cultural characteristics of the site are respected. The lookout sits hidden in the landscape and curves around the edge of the blowhole without impeding the symbolic breathing of the whale.
The Port Campbell National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape and is home to unique coastal vegetation, habitat and wildlife as well as some of Victoria's most popular tourist spots.
Another new lookout is also underway at the nearby Twelve Apostles to be completed this summer, the lookouts are being delivered as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and will be complemented by the $108.15 million Geelong City Deal - Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment.
Other recent upgrades include a 60-metre suspension bridge at Port Campbell and an 11-kilometre water and sewage pipeline to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre to service the growing tourist population.
Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is expected to support around 120 ongoing jobs, add $12 million to the regional economy and increase the annual visitor spend by $14 million.
Across the state, the Labor Government's Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan is investing $633 million over four years to strengthen Victoria's tourism offering by developing new experiences, products and infrastructure.
Works on the Blowhole Lookout are expected to start next year. For more information visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/loch-ard-blowhole-lookout.
Quote attributable Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio
"This investment will help protect the unique environment and landscape within the national park as well as encourage important regional and nature-based tourism economy."
As stated by Minister for Major Events, Sport and Tourism Steve Dimopoulous
"This lookout at the Blowhole allows visitors to get up close with nature and will improve the experience for the millions of people who visit each year."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"The south-west is full of natural wonders, this will protect this amazing landscape, celebrate its cultural values, and support jobs and communities in the region."
