Council calls for Marriners Falls to be reopened

Published on 09 April 2018

Council calls for Marriners Falls to be re-opened

Colac Otway Shire Council has called on the Victorian Government to re-open the iconic tourist attraction Marriners Falls, northwest of Apollo Bay.

Council unanimously voted to lobby the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change for further investigations into the walk and waterfall.

A notice of motion brought forward by Cr Jason Schram called for a new independent geotechnical risk assessment, including an examination of risk mitigation strategies, recommendations and comparison with approaches used for other public assets in Victoria.

Cr Schram said Marriners Falls was one of the most unique waterfalls in the Otways region. He said Council was pleased to join forces with the community to campaign for the falls’ reopening, building on the strong advocacy the community had already done.

“For many years it was a favourite destination for domestic and international tourists up until its closure in 2011,” Cr Schram said.

“It was also a special place for locals, particularly during summer when it was a great place to escape on hot days.

“Marriners Falls is an important tourism asset along the Great Ocean Road and our Council is strongly supportive of seeing it reopened.

“The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions and we believe Marriners Falls is worthy of further investment by the State Government to restore it to its rightful position as one of our region’s most significant nature-based walks and waterfalls,” he said.

Council agreed at its March meeting to write to the State Government about Marriners Falls, and will also seek meetings with relevant ministers. Council will also seek the support of regional partners including G21 and the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.

(photo credit, Peter Dwyer)