The Andrews Labor Government will force the big power companies to give Victorians a better deal on their power bills by legislating a new default offer that will cut the cost of energy for households across the state.
The Labor Government will abolish standing energy offers and require energy retailers to offer a fairer price for energy – called the Victorian Default Offer – which could save households hundreds of dollars a year on average on their energy bills.
The new measure is part of the Labor Government’s final response to the bipartisan Independent Review of the Electricity & Gas Retail Markets in Victoria.
The Independent Review – undertaken by John Thwaites, Terry Mulder and Patricia Faulkner – was the result of detailed research into energy retail prices and extensive consultation with consumers and industry.
The Review looked at whether the electricity and gas retail markets were operating in the best interests of Victorians and found customers were paying too much for energy.
The Review found that intervention was required to ensure better outcomes for customers and recommended a range of measures to put downward pressure on prices and protect low income and vulnerable customers.
The Labor Government is supporting all of the review’s 11 recommendations, including the new default offer, which will be implemented from 1 July 2019.
It will also direct the Essential Services Commission to review the Energy Retail Code to ensure contracts are clear and fair.
Work is already underway on the report’s recommendations, including an Energy Brokerage Pilot to connect low income households with energy brokers to help them find a better energy offer, and the Essential Services Commission issuing a draft determination requiring retailers to notify a customer of their best available offer.
This builds on the Government’s work to cut power bills for Victorians. This includes the $50 Power Saving Bonus, which has encouraged more than 200,000 people to compare their energy offer and save on their power bills.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will also install solar panels, batteries or hot water systems on 720,000 houses across the state through the Solar Homes program – driving down energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re putting power back in the hands of Victorians – who’ve put up for too long with big corporations ripping consumers off ever since the Liberals privatised our electricity.”
“Only Labor will modernise our electricity system to transition Victoria to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system.”
The Andrews Labor Government will force the big power companies to give Victorians a better deal on their power bills by legislating a new default offer that will cut the cost of energy for households across the state.
The Labor Government will abolish standing energy offers and require energy retailers to offer a fairer price for energy – called the Victorian Default Offer – which could save households hundreds of dollars a year on average on their energy bills.
The new measure is part of the Labor Government’s final response to the bipartisan Independent Review of the Electricity & Gas Retail Markets in Victoria.
The Independent Review – undertaken by John Thwaites, Terry Mulder and Patricia Faulkner – was the result of detailed research into energy retail prices and extensive consultation with consumers and industry.
The Review looked at whether the electricity and gas retail markets were operating in the best interests of Victorians and found customers were paying too much for energy.
The Review found that intervention was required to ensure better outcomes for customers and recommended a range of measures to put downward pressure on prices and protect low income and vulnerable customers.
The Labor Government is supporting all of the review’s 11 recommendations, including the new default offer, which will be implemented from 1 July 2019.
It will also direct the Essential Services Commission to review the Energy Retail Code to ensure contracts are clear and fair.
Work is already underway on the report’s recommendations, including an Energy Brokerage Pilot to connect low income households with energy brokers to help them find a better energy offer, and the Essential Services Commission issuing a draft determination requiring retailers to notify a customer of their best available offer.
This builds on the Government’s work to cut power bills for Victorians. This includes the $50 Power Saving Bonus, which has encouraged more than 200,000 people to compare their energy offer and save on their power bills.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will also install solar panels, batteries or hot water systems on 720,000 houses across the state through the Solar Homes program – driving down energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re putting power back in the hands of Victorians – who’ve put up for too long with big corporations ripping consumers off ever since the Liberals privatised our electricity.”
“Only Labor will modernise our electricity system to transition Victoria to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system.”
The Andrews Labor Government will fund more of Australia’s fastest electric vehicle ultra-rapid charging stations, with five more to be built across Victoria.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio made the announcement today while opening Australia’s first ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging site at Euroa, with another to soon open in Barnawartha North.
The Labor Government is continuing the rollout with $2 million to support charging stations in Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, Torquay and Traralgon, boosting tourism opportunities for these regions.
The stations will be capable of fully charging an electric vehicle in under 15 minutes, sourced from 100 per cent renewable energy.
Earlier this year, energy company Chargefox received $1 million from the Labor Government to develop the Euroa and Barnawartha North sites. Chargefox is matching the funding to build the stations.
The charging stations will dramatically reduce charging time for drivers, capable of delivering up to 400 kilometres of range delivered in 15 minutes – the fastest of any charger currently deployed in Australia.
Victoria is leading the nation with the rollout of this technology, with its transport sector on the road to a low carbon future in line with its legislated net-zero emissions by 2050 target.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Uptake of electric vehicles will help us reduce emissions and to tackle climate change.”
“More Victorians will be driving electric vehicles in the future, that’s why we’re building the infrastructure to be ready to meet this demand.”
The Andrews Labor Government will fund more of Australia’s fastest electric vehicle ultra-rapid charging stations, with five more to be built across Victoria.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio made the announcement today while opening Australia’s first ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging site at Euroa, with another to soon open in Barnawartha North.
The Labor Government is continuing the rollout with $2 million to support charging stations in Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, Torquay and Traralgon, boosting tourism opportunities for these regions.
The stations will be capable of fully charging an electric vehicle in under 15 minutes, sourced from 100 per cent renewable energy.
Earlier this year, energy company Chargefox received $1 million from the Labor Government to develop the Euroa and Barnawartha North sites. Chargefox is matching the funding to build the stations.
The charging stations will dramatically reduce charging time for drivers, capable of delivering up to 400 kilometres of range delivered in 15 minutes – the fastest of any charger currently deployed in Australia.
Victoria is leading the nation with the rollout of this technology, with its transport sector on the road to a low carbon future in line with its legislated net-zero emissions by 2050 target.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Uptake of electric vehicles will help us reduce emissions and to tackle climate change.”
“More Victorians will be driving electric vehicles in the future, that’s why we’re building the infrastructure to be ready to meet this demand.”
The first of two large scale batteries that will support Victoria’s energy grid has been unveiled in Ballarat.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today opened the Ballarat Energy Storage System (BESS), located at the Ballarat Terminal Station in Warrenheip.
The BESS is a state of the art lithium ion large-scale battery that will deliver a 30-megawatt/30-megawatt hour supply which is capable of powering more than 20,000 homes for an hour of critical peak demand before being recharged.
The BESS will be able to respond to changing grid needs within milliseconds and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support critical peak demand.
It’s one of two large-scale batteries that are part of the Labor Government’s Energy Storage Initiative, which is supporting energy storage technologies, driving the development of clean technologies and boosting local economies.
The second large-scale battery is the Tesla 25 megawatt/50 mega-watt hour battery which is integrated with the Gannawarra Solar Farm, south-west of Kerang.
This battery will store renewable energy on site. Delivered by Edify Energy, it is also expected to provide grid support by summer 2018.
With $25 million of funding provided by the Andrews Labor Government and the same amount matched by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, these two large-scale batteries are the most sophisticated energy storage initiatives in Australia.
Learn more about Victoria’s Energy Storage Initiative at energy.vic.gov.au/batteries-and-energy-storage
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We said we would deliver these large-scale batteries for Victoria, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“This is part of our plan to transition to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system.”
“We’re modernising our electricity grid, strengthening our energy security and delivering real action on climate change.”
The first of two large scale batteries that will support Victoria’s energy grid has been unveiled in Ballarat.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today opened the Ballarat Energy Storage System (BESS), located at the Ballarat Terminal Station in Warrenheip.
The BESS is a state of the art lithium ion large-scale battery that will deliver a 30-megawatt/30-megawatt hour supply which is capable of powering more than 20,000 homes for an hour of critical peak demand before being recharged.
The BESS will be able to respond to changing grid needs within milliseconds and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support critical peak demand.
It’s one of two large-scale batteries that are part of the Labor Government’s Energy Storage Initiative, which is supporting energy storage technologies, driving the development of clean technologies and boosting local economies.
The second large-scale battery is the Tesla 25 megawatt/50 mega-watt hour battery which is integrated with the Gannawarra Solar Farm, south-west of Kerang.
This battery will store renewable energy on site. Delivered by Edify Energy, it is also expected to provide grid support by summer 2018.
With $25 million of funding provided by the Andrews Labor Government and the same amount matched by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, these two large-scale batteries are the most sophisticated energy storage initiatives in Australia.
Learn more about Victoria’s Energy Storage Initiative at energy.vic.gov.au/batteries-and-energy-storage
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We said we would deliver these large-scale batteries for Victoria, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“This is part of our plan to transition to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system.”
“We’re modernising our electricity grid, strengthening our energy security and delivering real action on climate change.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released the final Plenty Gorge Park Master Plan, along with an $800,000 investment to upgrade the Hawkstowe Picnic Area.
Minister for Environment and Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the plan, which will strengthen access and connections throughout the park.
The Hawkstowe Picnic Area is a key visitor site in the park’s west. The upgrade will provide easy access to a family-friendly setting suitable for community events and leisure activities.
Key initiatives in the plan include:
A new park entrance at Hawkstowe
Completion of the 21-kilometre Plenty River Trail
Development of a mountain bike trail plan
Improvement of Nioka Bush Camp
Establishment of a habitat management strategy
Located 20 kilometres north of Melbourne, Plenty Gorge Park extends 11 kilometres along Plenty River from Mernda to Bundoora.
Developed in consultation with Traditional Owners, visitors and residents, the plan will improve recreational opportunities for the area’s rapidly growing population.
The final master plan will also ensure Plenty Gorge Park protects the environmental and cultural values for future generations to enjoy.
The final master plan also recognises the enduring connection of the Wurundjeri people to the area and focuses on the recognition of cultural sites.
To view the final plan, visit engage.vic.gov.au/plenty-gorge-park-draft-master-plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Melbourne’s north is one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas – it’s important that we have green open spaces like Plenty Gorge to escape and unwind.”
“These upgrades and the masterplan will ensure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy Plenty Gorge in the years to come.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released the final Plenty Gorge Park Master Plan, along with an $800,000 investment to upgrade the Hawkstowe Picnic Area.
Minister for Environment and Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the plan, which will strengthen access and connections throughout the park.
The Hawkstowe Picnic Area is a key visitor site in the park’s west. The upgrade will provide easy access to a family-friendly setting suitable for community events and leisure activities.
Key initiatives in the plan include:
A new park entrance at Hawkstowe
Completion of the 21-kilometre Plenty River Trail
Development of a mountain bike trail plan
Improvement of Nioka Bush Camp
Establishment of a habitat management strategy
Located 20 kilometres north of Melbourne, Plenty Gorge Park extends 11 kilometres along Plenty River from Mernda to Bundoora.
Developed in consultation with Traditional Owners, visitors and residents, the plan will improve recreational opportunities for the area’s rapidly growing population.
The final master plan will also ensure Plenty Gorge Park protects the environmental and cultural values for future generations to enjoy.
The final master plan also recognises the enduring connection of the Wurundjeri people to the area and focuses on the recognition of cultural sites.
To view the final plan, visit engage.vic.gov.au/plenty-gorge-park-draft-master-plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Melbourne’s north is one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas – it’s important that we have green open spaces like Plenty Gorge to escape and unwind.”
“These upgrades and the masterplan will ensure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy Plenty Gorge in the years to come.”
The Andrews Labor Government is working with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to jointly manage six parks in Loddon Mallee, under Victoria’s second Joint Management Plan.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board to launch the Dja Dja Wurrung Joint Management Plan (JMP), preserving Traditional Owners’ strong connection to lands and waterways.
The plan involves Dja Dja Wurrung peoples working in partnership with the Labor Government to manage six parks under Aboriginal title in Loddon Mallee. The partnership will deliver future opportunities for knowledge sharing, employment and education, and improve park visitor experiences.
The parks included in the plan are:
Greater Bendigo National Park
Hepburn Regional Park
Kara Kara National Park
Kooyoora State Park
Paddys Ranges State Park
Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve.
The JMP is the result of significant work by Traditional Owners and the Labor Government. To view the JMP visit: dhelkunyadja.org.au/
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D ’Ambrosio
“This plan recognises the importance of Traditional Owners in helping to manage the future of these parks.”
“We’re protecting these landscapes for future generations, while creating local opportunities for jobs, education and training.”
Quotes attributable to Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board Chair Graham Atkinson
“Today’s launch breaks new ground for settling the unfinished business that has stood between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of this country for nearly 160 years.”
“The future of these six Dja Dja Wurrung Parks looks very promising through their Joint Management by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Government.”
Quote attributable to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Chair Trent Nelson
“Joint management will help establish trust between Djaara and the State, and the inclusion of culturally appropriate management will provide a more worthwhile and captivating visitor experience and increase the value of these parks.”
The Andrews Labor Government is working with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to jointly manage six parks in Loddon Mallee, under Victoria’s second Joint Management Plan.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board to launch the Dja Dja Wurrung Joint Management Plan (JMP), preserving Traditional Owners’ strong connection to lands and waterways.
The plan involves Dja Dja Wurrung peoples working in partnership with the Labor Government to manage six parks under Aboriginal title in Loddon Mallee. The partnership will deliver future opportunities for knowledge sharing, employment and education, and improve park visitor experiences.
The parks included in the plan are:
Greater Bendigo National Park
Hepburn Regional Park
Kara Kara National Park
Kooyoora State Park
Paddys Ranges State Park
Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve.
The JMP is the result of significant work by Traditional Owners and the Labor Government. To view the JMP visit: dhelkunyadja.org.au/
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D ’Ambrosio
“This plan recognises the importance of Traditional Owners in helping to manage the future of these parks.”
“We’re protecting these landscapes for future generations, while creating local opportunities for jobs, education and training.”
Quotes attributable to Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board Chair Graham Atkinson
“Today’s launch breaks new ground for settling the unfinished business that has stood between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of this country for nearly 160 years.”
“The future of these six Dja Dja Wurrung Parks looks very promising through their Joint Management by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Government.”
Quote attributable to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Chair Trent Nelson
“Joint management will help establish trust between Djaara and the State, and the inclusion of culturally appropriate management will provide a more worthwhile and captivating visitor experience and increase the value of these parks.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a landmark plan to protect the Great Ocean Road coast and its parks for generations to come.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined Minister for Tourism John Eren, Chair of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Jason Mifsud and Wadawurrung Geelong Office Manager Corrina Eccles in Lorne today to launch the Great Ocean Road Action Plan.
The Plan includes a range of far-reaching reforms to preserve and enrich the iconic region along Victoria’s south-west coast, including a dedicated agency with an independent board to protect the area and its environment.
Under the plan, stand-alone legislation will recognise the landscapes of the Great Ocean Road as ‘one integrated and living entity’, with an overarching strategic framework plan for the length of the Road, enshrined in law.
The Plan also includes a new planning approvals process to stop inappropriate development and encourage environmentally-sustainable developments.
Like many international tourist destinations, places along the Great Ocean Road are challenged by increasing numbers of visitors, forces of nature – and the impacts of climate change.
The coast, parks and scenic landscapes along the Great Ocean Road are so important that they need, and deserve, their own management arrangements.
The plan follows 26 recommendations made by the independent Great Ocean Road Taskforce, which carefully considered community feedback provided in face-to-face conversations with 780 people and more than 570 submissions.
To view the plan and the Co-Chair’s Final report, visit engage.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This action plan will protect the Great Ocean Road and its environment for the long-term and ensure we are prepared for the challenges this coastal environment will face in the years to come.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This is about preserving and enriching the natural beauty of this iconic destination, which attracts so many visitors from Victoria, Australia and around the world every year.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This plan is about protecting the environment of the Great Ocean Road, and the jobs, businesses and communities that rely on it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This plan will stop overdevelopment along the coast and protect its rugged character for future generations.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a landmark plan to protect the Great Ocean Road coast and its parks for generations to come.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined Minister for Tourism John Eren, Chair of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Jason Mifsud and Wadawurrung Geelong Office Manager Corrina Eccles in Lorne today to launch the Great Ocean Road Action Plan.
The Plan includes a range of far-reaching reforms to preserve and enrich the iconic region along Victoria’s south-west coast, including a dedicated agency with an independent board to protect the area and its environment.
Under the plan, stand-alone legislation will recognise the landscapes of the Great Ocean Road as ‘one integrated and living entity’, with an overarching strategic framework plan for the length of the Road, enshrined in law.
The Plan also includes a new planning approvals process to stop inappropriate development and encourage environmentally-sustainable developments.
Like many international tourist destinations, places along the Great Ocean Road are challenged by increasing numbers of visitors, forces of nature – and the impacts of climate change.
The coast, parks and scenic landscapes along the Great Ocean Road are so important that they need, and deserve, their own management arrangements.
The plan follows 26 recommendations made by the independent Great Ocean Road Taskforce, which carefully considered community feedback provided in face-to-face conversations with 780 people and more than 570 submissions.
To view the plan and the Co-Chair’s Final report, visit engage.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This action plan will protect the Great Ocean Road and its environment for the long-term and ensure we are prepared for the challenges this coastal environment will face in the years to come.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This is about preserving and enriching the natural beauty of this iconic destination, which attracts so many visitors from Victoria, Australia and around the world every year.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This plan is about protecting the environment of the Great Ocean Road, and the jobs, businesses and communities that rely on it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This plan will stop overdevelopment along the coast and protect its rugged character for future generations.”
Yume Food has won the Premier’s Recognition Award at the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for developing an online marketplace for quality surplus food.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio presented the award to Yume Food at a ceremony in Melbourne last night for its work connecting suppliers with buyers to help mitigate the 9.5 million tonnes of food that goes to landfill in Australia every year.
Yume Food facilitates transactions between buyers and suppliers, arranges delivery of goods and manages donations to registered food rescue organisations, helping ensure food gets to the people who need it most.
Earlier in the evening, Yume Food won the Innovative Products or Services category, as well as the Small and Medium Enterprises category.
The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award was won by the Gannawarra Shire Council for a program that puts sustainability at the heart of its local economic future, featuring the first large scale solar farm and battery storage in Victoria.
Celebrating its 16th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards is Victoria’s highest-profile sustainability awards program across business, government, health, education and community.
For a full list of this year’s winners, visit sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners – I hope your success motivates more Victorians to become advocates for a cleaner, healthier environment.”
“The range of work these organisations do demonstrates that sustainability is alive and well in every kind of community, business and government group right across Victoria.”
Yume Food has won the Premier’s Recognition Award at the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for developing an online marketplace for quality surplus food.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio presented the award to Yume Food at a ceremony in Melbourne last night for its work connecting suppliers with buyers to help mitigate the 9.5 million tonnes of food that goes to landfill in Australia every year.
Yume Food facilitates transactions between buyers and suppliers, arranges delivery of goods and manages donations to registered food rescue organisations, helping ensure food gets to the people who need it most.
Earlier in the evening, Yume Food won the Innovative Products or Services category, as well as the Small and Medium Enterprises category.
The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award was won by the Gannawarra Shire Council for a program that puts sustainability at the heart of its local economic future, featuring the first large scale solar farm and battery storage in Victoria.
Celebrating its 16th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards is Victoria’s highest-profile sustainability awards program across business, government, health, education and community.
For a full list of this year’s winners, visit sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners – I hope your success motivates more Victorians to become advocates for a cleaner, healthier environment.”
“The range of work these organisations do demonstrates that sustainability is alive and well in every kind of community, business and government group right across Victoria.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled new designs for tourist facilities along the Shipwreck Coast, improving experiences for the growing number of visitors to the region.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio revealed designs today for infrastructure projects at Twelve Apostles’ Saddle Lookout, the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge and the Blowhole Lookout, as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.
Parks Victoria is now calling for expressions of interest for construction of facilities at the Saddle Lookout and the Pedestrian Bridge, while work at the Blow Hole will proceed in Stage Two of the plan.
Each year, more people visit the Great Ocean Road region than Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef combined, and in the year ending June 2017, its 5.8 million visitors spent $1.3 billion supporting 11,200 jobs in the region.
The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is a program to protect the coastline between Princetown and the Bay of Islands. Over time, it will deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending and the creation of 3,834 Victorian jobs.
Local artist Vicki Couzens drew inspiration from black and white cockatoos – totemic to the tribes of the Eastern Maar – for the design of the Twelve Apostles lookout, while the Blowhole Lookout replicates a breaching whale, with the seating to reflect the barnacles on its back.
For more information about the Ship Wreck Coast masterplan, visit parkweb.vic.gov.au. For information on the Expression of Interest process for construction of the new infrastructure, visit tenders.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“These world class designs will deliver better facilities for visitors to the Great Ocean Road.”
“We’re working in partnership with Traditional Owners to manage our parks and improve nature-based tourism.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism John Eren
“The Shipwreck Coast is one of the most treasured parts of our state and we’re ensuring it can cater to everyone who wants to visit.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“These wonderfully designed new facilities will make visiting the Shipwreck Coast even more enjoyable.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Jamie Lowe
“The coastline and rock formations were sites of great significance where traditional custodians performed ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal.”
“Recognising and partnering with Traditional Owners in such designs not only represents an opportunity for bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together, it is an opportunity to showcase an internationally iconic landscape in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way that maximises tourism potential.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled new designs for tourist facilities along the Shipwreck Coast, improving experiences for the growing number of visitors to the region.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio revealed designs today for infrastructure projects at Twelve Apostles’ Saddle Lookout, the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge and the Blowhole Lookout, as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.
Parks Victoria is now calling for expressions of interest for construction of facilities at the Saddle Lookout and the Pedestrian Bridge, while work at the Blow Hole will proceed in Stage Two of the plan.
Each year, more people visit the Great Ocean Road region than Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef combined, and in the year ending June 2017, its 5.8 million visitors spent $1.3 billion supporting 11,200 jobs in the region.
The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is a program to protect the coastline between Princetown and the Bay of Islands. Over time, it will deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending and the creation of 3,834 Victorian jobs.
Local artist Vicki Couzens drew inspiration from black and white cockatoos – totemic to the tribes of the Eastern Maar – for the design of the Twelve Apostles lookout, while the Blowhole Lookout replicates a breaching whale, with the seating to reflect the barnacles on its back.
For more information about the Ship Wreck Coast masterplan, visit parkweb.vic.gov.au. For information on the Expression of Interest process for construction of the new infrastructure, visit tenders.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“These world class designs will deliver better facilities for visitors to the Great Ocean Road.”
“We’re working in partnership with Traditional Owners to manage our parks and improve nature-based tourism.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism John Eren
“The Shipwreck Coast is one of the most treasured parts of our state and we’re ensuring it can cater to everyone who wants to visit.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“These wonderfully designed new facilities will make visiting the Shipwreck Coast even more enjoyable.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Jamie Lowe
“The coastline and rock formations were sites of great significance where traditional custodians performed ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal.”
“Recognising and partnering with Traditional Owners in such designs not only represents an opportunity for bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together, it is an opportunity to showcase an internationally iconic landscape in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way that maximises tourism potential.”