Residents needed for Community Reference Group

Published on 29 October 2021

Port Campbell's town centre revamp is able to commence following the recent announcement by the Federal Government that it will fund the project.

This complements a State Government contribution announced in June this year as well as Council’s budgeted contribution to the project

Works will commence with a small footpath project in Morris Street early in the new year that will have minimal impact on residents or businesses.

Major works will then be scheduled to commence in winter once the peak tourist season subsides.

Residents are being encouraged to nominate to be part of a reformed Community Reference Group.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Ruth Gstrein said that after years of discussions with the community and careful planning, the project was finally getting towards physical action.

“This will be the biggest infrastructure project Council has ever done and will really set Port Campbell up for the future,” Cr Gstrein said.

“When national and international tourism pick up again, this revitalisation will allow visitors and locals to get around more easily as they move from shops to accommodation to the magnificent natural environment that makes the town so special.

“This is a big project that will involve a lot of different stakeholders and the Community Reference Group will be a vital line of communication between community and the engineers, contractors and tradies doing the work.”

Coastal Ward Councillor Cr Jamie Vogels called on interested residents to put their hand up.

“A dedicated website has been set up to keep the public informed as the project develops. It can be found here ,” Cr Vogels said.

“Just go to website and fill in the form if you want to be involved, leave your name, phone number and why you want to be a part of it.

Cr Vogels said the group would help with community and business engagement and provide advice on appropriate timing for various works.

“It will be the voice of the community and will help minimise disruption as the locals go about their daily lives and making a living.

“That will be particularly important when it comes to fitting construction timetables around the peak trading period during the tourist season.”

Applications close Monday 22 November.

Renowned Keerray Wooroong artist Vicki Couzens will be involved in the integrated artwork component of the project. There will be further consultation with Dr Couzens in the coming weeks.

The project will be jointly funded by the State Government ($6M), Federal Government ($5.6 million) and Corangamite Shire Council ($4M).