Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Frequently asked questions

What will be included in the precinct (funded through Geelong City Deal)?

The $108.15 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment delivers infrastructure projects in the Shipwreck Coast region. The Project includes the Shipwreck Coast priority projects in two phases – coastal and main works. It also includes the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF).

Find out more at the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment webpage.

What other related works are underway in the region (funded by others)?

As part of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, Parks Victoria is working with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) on initial projects worth $16.5 million in the Port Campbell National Park. These projects are:

• a new $9.2 million lookout at the ‘Saddle’ in the Twelve Apostles Precinct that will expand viewing areas and improve accessibility for growing visitor numbers
• another lookout at ‘The Blowhole’ at Loch Ard Gorge
• a new 60 metre pedestrian bridge which has been built over Port Campbell Creek, connecting Port Campbell to the national park.

Corangamite Shire Council is delivering several related projects in the region, including:

• The Twelve Apostles Trail, and
• Port Campbell Streetscapes.

The Victorian Government, through Regional Development Victoria, is also supporting a range of other projects in the Great South Coast Region.

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment project includes the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF), which helps to fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the region. The PSBEF supports several projects in the Shipwreck and Great Ocean Road Region.

The Victorian Government through the Department of Transport and Planning and Regional Roads Victoria, is upgrading and improving the resilience of the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes connecting it to the Princes Highway. This program includes vital works to ensure the roads in the region remain strong – such as rebuilding road pavement, bridge strengthening, geotechnical works and safety upgrades.

When will construction start?

Start of works is expected in 2024.

We expect the Visitor Experience Centre to open in late 2025.

How can I keep up to date on the project’s progress?

If you would like to sign up to receive project updates or want to learn more about the project, please register your interest at the Development Victoria webpage.

Who is managing procurement and construction of the project?

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions through Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is responsible for the implementation of the Geelong City Deal. RDV has engaged Development Victoria as the delivery agency for the project who will deliver procurement and construction.

I’m a supplier interested in the project; how can I get in touch?

Suppliers are sourced in accordance with whole of Victorian Government requirements. All open tenders are advertised on the Buying for Victoria Supplier Portal whereas Selective Tenders for construction services and works are sourced from the Construction Supplier Register.

If you would like to be considered for tender opportunities, please register your organisation with:

1. Construction Supplier Register
2. Buying for Victoria Supplier Portal Register
3. Vendor Panel
4. Industry Capability Network Victoria.

If you have a question or want to learn more about the project, contact the team at Twelve.Apostles@development.vic.gov.au

Is the State procuring private land to deliver the project?

It is proposed that the project will be delivered on crown and privately owned land.

The Victorian Government is progressing with acquisition of the land required for this project.

Discussions between the landowners and the Victorian Government remain confidential in nature.

What opportunities are there for community input?

The project is offering opportunities for the community to have their say in 2023.

Whether you're a long-time resident or business owner, new to the area, visiting, or a tour operator – attending a community session is the perfect opportunity to connect with the project team, stay informed about the latest developments, and ask questions.

Community feedback will be considered in line with the project scope and a range of factors including safety, culture, environment and sustainability.

Activity is planned to be delivered in a three-stage process, starting in the first half of 2023.

Stage 1: Project Update

In this first stage, we would like to better understand how people use and what they value about the precinct.

We’d like to share some information about the project, provide the opportunity to meet the project team and answer any questions.

You can participate by completing the online form or attending one of our community sessions.

To register, find out more or have your say please visit Engage Victoria.

Stage 2: Designs

In this second stage, designs will be made available for community feedback.

Further detail will be provided following completion of Stage 1 – Project Update.

Stage 3: Final Designs

In this third stage, we would like to share information on final designs and provide an update on the project's next steps.

We are also interested in gaining your feedback on construction and any other impacts at the local level.

To keep up to date on the project, see ‘How can I keep up to date on the project’s progress?’

Will the precinct include improved parking?

The project will deliver safety improvements to the Loch Ard Gorge carpark, a park and ride facility at the Visitor Experience Centre and better parking at the Gow End Lookout Carpark.

What other transport improvements are planned?

The project will deliver eBike parking, new access roads and a new transit pod is proposed at Loch Ard Gorge and other precinct-wide connectivity improvements to support sustainable transport.

How will the environment be conserved and protected?

Grimshaw and their consultants will continue to undertake extensive investigations for the redevelopment of the site, to plan the works and consider the significant cultural heritage and environmental sensitivities.

How are the traditional owners of the land being engaged, and how will indigenous culture be protected and acknowledged in the precinct?

This project is being delivered in partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the formally recognised Traditional Owner groups for the area, and includes codesign and delivery of this project.  The partnership with EMAC recognises Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship with Country, in line with the Eastern Maar Country Plan. It will ensure that Eastern Maar culture is at the forefront of the redevelopment and that the traditional owners benefit from the project now and into the future.  This project continues the engagement with EMAC from the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan through to the Twelve Apostles precinct planning from 2015 onwards. The continuing partnership with EMAC is at the centre of the project’s codesign and delivery.

Who will operate the Visitor Experience Centre (VEC)?

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will operate the VEC once complete.

Great Ocean Road and Coastal Parks Authority was established in 2020 to protect and manage the region’s iconic coast and parks.

Together with Traditional Owners, they manage Crown land and marine waters along the Great Ocean Road to protect, rehabilitate and foster resilience of the area’s natural, cultural and heritage values.

All money made by the Authority through its commercial activities will be reinvested to ensure current and future generations can enjoy the Great Ocean Road region.

Who will manage the coastal land?

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will work closely with Parks Victoria who will retain responsibility for managing most of the Great Otway National Park.  Parks Victoria will provide on-ground management of National Parks Act land on behalf of the Authority and provide the Authority with expertise in conservation science and environmental works in areas in National Parks Act parks for which the Authority is assigned management responsibility.

Will the operator and coastal land managers be involved in the design of the precinct?

The Great Ocean Road Coast Parks Authority and Parks Victoria are working closely with the project team to provide input and expert advice into the planning, design, development, and future operations and land management of the Twelve Apostle Precinct.

Both organisations are also represented on several project governance groups.

How much is expected to be injected into the Victorian economy?

Over time, realisation of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is projected to deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending and the creation of more than 3,500 jobs for Victorians.

This projection includes Parks Victoria initial projects worth $16 million in the Port Campbell National Park and the $108.15 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, supported through Geelong City Deal.

How is this project supporting the private sector in the Shipwreck Coast region?

The $108.15 million Project also delivers the $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) which was designed to help fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean regions.

This funding is supporting  the region to capitalise on its natural beauty and create up to 360 new jobs in the Shipwreck Coast region through the new projects.

Round 1 supports four infrastructure projects with $15.48 million in new grants designed to enable private sector investment along Victoria’s iconic Shipwreck Coast.

The projects have the potential to stimulate over $150 million in private capital investment to support the growth of the visitor economy, principally through new and improved accommodation offerings.

Find out more at the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund webpage.