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The landmark Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is moving forward with local community engagement starting on the coastal and main works project.

The local community is invited to participate in the redevelopment online survey and to attend the information sessions that will begin this month and run for six months.

Grimshaw Architects will work in partnership with EMAC and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to design the world-class redevelopment.

The $108 million redevelopment, a part of the broader Geelong City Deal, will transform the precinct, making it safer and easier to enjoy the world-class tourist destination. The $500 million Geelong City Deal is a collaborative plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian governments, and the City of Greater Geelong.

The Twelve Apostles precinct will include a Visitor Experience Centre that will become the new gateway for those visiting the Great Ocean Road.

The redevelopment includes an upgraded viewing platform, safer beach access at Gibson Steps, new access roads, expanded parking areas and accessible community facilities.

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is the next stage of projects delivered under the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan. The plan was developed over three years with extensive community consultation.

Work is expected to begin at the precinct in 2024.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King notes “The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge attracts up to 2.8 million visitors per year.

“This redevelopment aims to attract more domestic and international visitors and encourage visitors to stay longer.”

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing added “This project will create a lasting legacy as an international, cultural and environmentally conscious tourism drawcard for the region and Australia for decades to come.”

A partnership between government and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the formally recognised Traditional Owner groups for the area, has also been announced to enable the codesign and delivery of the project.

The partnership with EMAC recognises Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship with Country, in line with the Eastern Maar Country Plan and will ensure the Eastern Maar culture remains at the forefront of the redevelopment.

The Australian Government is supporting engagement with EMAC to support delivery of the redevelopment and other projects in the region.

EMAC Chief Executive Marcus Clarke enthused “we are excited to join in a participatory design process to share in a new vision for the Twelve Apostles precinct that equally projects our shared stories and histories connected to this iconic place and the broader Great Ocean Road.”

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to position the new Twelve Apostles precinct into an even more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike; a destination that balances, safeguards and amplifies our natural and cultural assets alongside increasing visitor numbers.”

For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities

To be involved in community engagement visit engage.vic.gov.au/twelve-apostles

Image. Credit: Regional Development Victoria

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