The council’s submission to the draft Western Regional Coastal Plan, while supporting the strategy, raised concerns over the lack of support to facilitate, promote and advocate for the sustainable development, marketing and management of tourism for the region. 

The council has long been an advocate for sustainable tourism development along the coast, particularly in the 12 Apostles area, to increase overnight visits. 

Two other draft plans — the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and the Great Ocean Road Tourism Board Plan — also encourage sustainable development to support tourism in the region.  The Western Regional Coastal Plan is one of three plans being developed across the state and sits under the Victorian Coastal Strategy, which takes a specifically environmental approach to coastline management.  The western coastal region stretches  from the Bellarine Peninsular to the South Australian border. 

Corangamite Shire’s director of sustainability and environment Ian Gibb said the council wanted to see good alignment between the Western Regional Coastal Plan and the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.  

“What we are saying is we would like to see greater recognition of the role of tourism along the coast, particularly in the Corangamite Shire,” he said. 

“It is also important it recognises the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and allows its implementation over time, particularly infrastructure and development which will be required to better manage future visitation.” 

Councillors voted unanimously to forward the submission to the Western Coastal Board.