Tourism along the Great Ocean Road is “in crisis” and the federal and state governments need to stop playing “political games” over funding the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, a local tourism chief says.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism chair Wayne Kayler-Thomson made the comments when expressing his disappointment that this week’s federal budget did not include funding for the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.
The plan aims to improve tourism infrastructure along the Great Ocean Road with a new visitor experience centre near the 12 Apostles, more car parking, shuttle services to GOR attractions and a 12 Apostles Trail from Timboon through to Port Campbell.
Mr Kayler-Thomson said the master plan had been with government for six years.
He said it was frustrating to hear Member for Wannon Dan Tehan say the federal government didn’t match funds promised by the state for the plan because it only received the plans 10 days before this week’s budget.
The state government promised about $50 million for the master plan last week, part of $153 million for the Geelong City Deal, but it was contingent on the federal government matching the money.
State regional development minister Jaala Pulford also blasted the federal government for not funding the master plan, saying its omission would deny the region a major economic boost. She called on the federal government to confirm funding before the end of the year.
