Marine and Coastal Development Consents

GORCAPA

Industry Sector: Tourism infrastructure
Location: Kennett River, Torquay and Apollo Bay, Victoria
Year: 2024-current
Project Manager: Steve Blackley
SPM Services: Environmental Approvals, Planning Approvals, Risk Assessment, Compliance, Strategic Advice
Project Overview:
GORCAPA (Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority) is currently looking to secure the necessary Marine and Coastal Act (MACA) Consents for a series of interconnected redevelopment projects along the iconic Great Ocean Road. These projects aim to enhance visitor experiences, improve community infrastructure, and protect the sensitive coastal environment. The projects include a pop-up bar at Fisherman’s Beach, Torquay, expansion and improvements to Kennett River’s tourism infrastructure and a proposed expansion and upgrade of the Apollo Bay harbour fishing cooperative.

Environmental Approvals
Planning Approvals
Risk Assessment
Compliance
Strategic Advice

Project Overview

GORCAPA (Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority) is currently looking to secure the necessary Marine and Coastal Act (MACA) Consents for a series of interconnected redevelopment projects along the iconic Great Ocean Road. These projects aim to enhance visitor experiences, improve community infrastructure, and protect the sensitive coastal environment. The projects include a pop-up bar at Fisherman’s Beach, Torquay, expansion and improvements to Kennett River’s tourism infrastructure and a proposed expansion and upgrade of the Apollo Bay harbour fishing cooperative.

The Challenge

The complexity of the Marine and Coastal Act and the diverse nature of the projects GORCAPA currently has in progress, requires expert guidance on the regulatory framework involved for these vital coastal redevelopment projects.

The Solution

SPM is working closely with GORCAPA to provide strategic guidance and technical expertise in obtaining the necessary approvals. This ensures that the projects proceed in an environmentally responsible manner, balancing the needs of tourism, community infrastructure and coastal protection. SPM’s role incorporates;

Conducting comprehensive development Plan Reviews and Assessments for the expanded operations at Apollo Bay focusing on marine habitats, water quality and navigation.
Providing detailed site assessments of the proposed sites and evaluating potential environmental impacts on the environment, community and tourism.
Facilitating community engagement between GORCAPA and the local communities surrounding all sites to address concerns and ensure transparency about their operations.
Developing and implementing a Marine and Coastal Application (MACA) to ensure all regulatory framework conditions are met and all stakeholders’ concerns are addressed.

The Outcomes

SPM’s meticulous documentation, strategic advice, technical expertise, and effective communication is successfully assisting GORCAPA in the process of obtaining the necessary MACA approvals to develop their projects.