Engagement snapshot APOLLO BAY HARBOUR REDEVELOPMENT DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN
| JUNE 2025
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY Between 7 May and 1 June 2025, we invited the community to help shape the future of Apollo Bay Harbour. Locals and visitors alike had the opportunity to revisit and reaffirm the values that matter most, and to share their thoughts on the Draft Precinct Plan through an online survey and a series of community information sessions. The Draft Precinct Plan considers the key issues and opportunities facing the Harbour, with a focus on delivering priority projects through the Geelong City Deal. These include a sensitive upgrade and minor extension to the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op building, the enhancement of existing public open spaces and a new extended viewing deck, upgrades to Port Operations and the Depot building, improved transport and pedestrian connections across the precinct, and better use of car parking at Mother’s Beach.
HOW YOU ENGAGED WITH US The response from the community was strong and thoughtful. Over the engagement period, we hosted 13 community sessions and meetings, received more than 100 survey responses and written submissions, and recorded over 3,000 views on social media and 1,200 visits to the project webpage.
13
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS / MEETINGS
100+
SURVEYS / SUBMISSIONS
3,073 SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
1,209
PROJECT WEBPAGE VIEWS
WHAT YOU TOLD US YOUR VALUES & PRIORITIES
PUBLIC AMENITIES
The community consistently expressed the importance of protecting Apollo Bay’s unique identity. The Harbour precinct is seen as a central part of the town, and people want to see its fishing heritage and relaxed coastal character respected in any future upgrades. There was clear support for preserving the working port feel, avoiding over-commercialisation, protecting natural areas, and including First Nations stories. The Co-Op building was viewed as an iconic but ageing part of the precinct, with support for a respectful upgrade that retains its function and charm. Many people also expressed interest in the freshwater well and its location. Climate change and coastal hazards were recognised as important considerations to address through planning.
Safe pedestrian movement between new public amenities and key locations was a recurring priority. The community generally supported simple, practical upgrades that maintain the area’s character. The northern end of Mother’s Beach car park was the preferred site for new beach changing huts, though some questioned their value without showers or toilets and preferred full amenities at that location. Many supported co-locating amenities within the Depot building, including showers, change rooms, and lockers. Suggestions for other public amenities included seating, shaded areas, interpretive signage, bike racks and bins—ideally placed at viewing spots and entry points, but kept minimal to avoid cluttering the landscape.
CONNECTIVITY, PATHS, & MATERIALS There was consistent feedback that well-defined connections within the precinct—and between the precinct, town centre, and Point Bunbury—are a key opportunity. Many preferred pathways along the coastal edge, with frequent calls for a long-requested boardwalk by the water. Pedestrian safety, particularly at the Nelson and Trafalgar intersection, was a significant concern, with a strong community desire for improvements. While sealed surfaces were preferred for safety and accessibility, many also valued the natural look of unsealed or mixedmaterial paths. Several felt current plans could better support continuous, integrated pedestrian routes.
Continue the story.
www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au