Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, Marengo CIP adopted

Published on 28 April 2023

At the April meeting, Council adopted the Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP) which sets a long-term vision for the next 20 to 30 years.

The CIP, which was developed in consultation with the community and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) over a number of years, incorporates strategic principles and concept plans for key infrastructure on public land for these towns.

Mayor Chris Potter said the CIP provides a guide for future planning and projects and thanked the community for their input.

“This is an important plan for the community and Council, it shows we stand together on a vision for the future and provides a clear pathway for us to advocate to other levels of government about projects important to the community.

“I’d like to thank our coastal communities for their contribution to the plan through various means of engagement over the years, including most recently, the public exhibition of the CIP last year.

“Through that exhibition process we received 77 written submissions, and we thank everyone who took the time to provide their feedback,” Cr Potter said.

Key components of the CIP include a district plan outlining walking and cycling trails, a master plans for Skenes Creek foreshore, the Apollo Bay central foreshore and Marengo foreshore, and design guidelines for the Apollo Bay streetscape.

Cr Potter said that the community feedback provided a number of key messages which have been incorporated into the final plan.

“There was strong support for the retention and future redevelopment of the skate park, Council has listened and voted to have the Apollo Bay Foreshore Master Plan modified to recognise this.

“Development of the plan explored a range of challenging infrastructure matters, including one-way traffic on the Great Ocean Road and various traffic parking arrangements. While these didn’t end up in the final plan, exploring these options was an important part of the process.

“We will also work to support the community’s long-term goal to have a safe, inclusive pedestrian link between the town centre and the harbour which will improve public safety and be attractive to visitors and our community and encourage use of this public space,” Cr Potter said.

The adopted Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan will soon be available for viewing on Council’s website.