Council
14 February, 2024
Riordan: where will money come from?
QUESTIONS about how the compulsory acquisition of land at the Twelve Apostles will be paid for were raised in Parliament last week.
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan asked Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos if the compulsory acquisition would be paid for out of the 2018 Geelong City deal funding, or whether other funds were being used.
The controversial compulsory acquisition would see 32 hectares of land near the Twelve Apostles push aside the development plans of the current owners of the Nessler family who already operate a successful tourism business at the location.
Mr Riordan said the minister must tell the Great Ocean Road community whether this has been budgeted for and if resources will have to be diverted from other important maintenance and upgrades.
“Vital assets like the steps to the Loch Ard Gorge and access to the Arch are all in need of urgent maintenance, along with much needed funds for access tracks and walking infrastructure right along the Great Ocean Road,” he said.
“If the funds are coming from the Geelong City Deal, what other projects will need to be cancelled to pay for the buy back?
“The Skenes Creek board walk has already been shelved, what other projects are at risk of delay or cancellation?
“The state government must come clean.”
The Cobden Timboon Coast Times can report the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project is jointly funded between the Australian and Victorian government and sits under the Geelong City Deal.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the redevelopment project will “transform this iconic tourism destination”, ensuring the landmark will be enjoyed by generations to come.
“The redevelopment will make the Twelve Apostles safer and easier to experience, help to attract domestic and international visitors, and encourage people to stay longer in the region,” the spokesperson said.
“The new Visitor Experience Centre will act as the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast, strengthening the region’s reputation as a leading tourist destination in Australia – with those tourism benefits flowing to the local community.
“New and existing tourism businesses in the area will benefit from the new attraction, and more local jobs will be created.”
The Victorian Government have said the Twelve Apostles Visitor Information Centre forms part of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, which was developed over three years.
The government said there were provisions in place for all elements of the project including acquisition costs.