The closure of steps at Childers Cove highlights the need for more investment in Great Ocean Road (GOR) infrastructure, a tourism leader says.
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Twelve Apostles Tourism and Business Association president David Pope wants aging infrastructure improved to meet the standards that visitors expected.
He said more people visited the GOR region than any other Australian tourist destination, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, yet many left “disappointed because of substandard infrastructure”.
Of the 5.4 million people who travel the iconic road annually, 2.6 million of those head to the 12 Apostles, he said.
Parks Victoria announced on Tuesday that stair access to Childers Cove would be permanently closed due to safety concerns, after geotechnical investigations revealed serious instability in the lower cliffs.
Warrnambool resident Phil Dennis started an online petition on Wednesday calling for new stairs to be built.
Mr Pope said it was devastating the beach would no longer be accessible and it highlighted the fragility and susceptibility of the Shipwreck Coast’s infrastructure.
He said ongoing deterioration was a significant risk to visitation and brand reputation and would like to see more investment.
“It would be fantastic if there could be some funding or if the project could be added to the likes of the Shipwreck Coast master plan for maintenance treatment or an upgrade.
“Everybody would like to have access to the beach remain open, but unless there’s significant funding that’s allocated to upgrading visitor infrastructure, it’s unlikely that that would change. That’s the reality,” Mr Pope said.
Mr Pope said the masterplan needed to be fully funded by government and additional annual funding was needed to maintain and upgrade assets to ensure the visitor market didn't diminish.
Mr Dennis, who started the petition, described Childers Cove as a “quiet and majestic beach” which was loved by locals. “It’s like you’re the only one down there and it’s your special spot,” he said.
He is calling for a new and safe staircase to be built so the unique spot can continue to be enjoyed.
Parks Victoria will host an information session at Childers Cove on Saturday from 10am to noon.
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