The Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project was officially opened on Friday 8 August with a ceremony to mark the completion of the project.
The opening included a Welcome to Country and plaque unveiling on the foreshore.
Attendees also heard from the project's lead artist Dr Vicki Couzens who discussed the integrated art installations which are a key component of the project.
The opening was followed by morning tea at the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club.
Mayor Kate Makin invited residents from across the Shire to embrace the new-look town centre.
"With expanded outdoor dining areas, new street plantings and furniture, lighting, traffic calming and integrated artwork, the ageing infrastructure has been upgraded to a contemporary design that can compete with other tourist destinations along the Great Ocean Road.
"The shared pedestrian and traffic zones, wider footpaths and better connections to the headlands make it a pedestrian-friendly destination that will encourage visitors to stay longer and patronise local businesses.
"Yes, there have been compromises along the way, but I liken it to buying a new pair of boots. At first they might be a bit tight but give them time and wear them in and you'll love them and you'll wear them out. I'm sure everyone will wear out Port Campbell by seeing what great things it has going for it."
"I'd like to thank the Community and Business Reference Group. They've done an amazing job. They've always been very open and honest with their feedback to Council on how they're feeling about the project which is what we needed."
The project was funded with $5.6 million from the Australian Government, $6 million from the State Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund and $7.4 million from Council.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, who officially broke ground on the first large stage in October 2023, said:
"The revitalisation project delivers lasting benefits for the Port Campbell community and the thousands of visitors to Victoria's south-west coast.
"The upgrades have created a safer and more welcoming environment, with improved public spaces, wider footpaths and native garden beds.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering a modern design that reflects the character and charm of this unique foreshore."
Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, said: "The Port Campbell community is incredibly passionate about the foreshore and main street and this project is sure to evolve overtime. To all the locals who worked on it a huge congratulations for all that you did. Upgrading the landscape of Port Campbell isn't just about improving public spaces — it's about creating local jobs now and into the future."
State Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur, who was a Corangamite Councillor when the project was funded, was in attendance.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, who was Minister for Regional Development when the project, was unable to attend but sent her apologies, as did Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan, and Members for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora and Joe McCracken.
Pictured with the newly unveiled plaques are Cr Ruth Gstrein, Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey, Cr Jamie Vogels, Mayor Kate Makin, Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone, Cr Jo Beard, Cr Geraldine Conheady, Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur, Member for Wannon Dan Tehan and Cr Nick Cole.
