$50m GOR fix a ‘funding priority’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A $50 MILLION fix for the Great Ocean Road is a funding priority for the region’s councils, according to their alliance organisation.
A G21 report said the road had fallen into disrepair, with a high risk of rock falls and landslides leaving the road subject to “intermittent closure”.
G21 added funding for the road to its list of key projects for the region for the first time.
A report on the project said recent landslips and erosion forced the temporary closure of some sections of the popular tourist route.
The closures seriously impacted the region’s economy and traffic management, the G21 report said.
The road was an “icon” needing both repair and improvement to maintain its “structural integrity”.
The report said the Great Ocean Rd supported a $2.1 billion tourism industry.
“The Great Ocean Rd is a significant economic driver in the G21 region. Its importance to the region’s economy cannot be overstated.
“Maintenance of the Great Ocean Rd would directly and indirectly result in 212 additional jobs and $18.6 million in wages and salaries in the region.”
G21 said the road was crucial to significant events including a 4000-strong Great Ocean Rd Marathon, Great Victorian Bike Ride and Herald Sun Tour.
The project needed $10 million a year for five years to provide increased safety measures including an increase in bypass opportunities, the report said.
Other recommended works targeted landslip risk areas, road surfaces and shoulders, drainage, general maintenance, vegetation management and road reserves.
The report said governments should also fund an upgrade to the road “out of respect for its status as the world’s largest war memorial”.
“The Great Ocean Rd is regarded as one of the world’s greatest coastal drives and provides an iconic driving experience. It is essential that the road is maintained and developed to meet current and forecast usage.”
Geelong Otway Tourism boss Roger Grant told the Independent a year ago the road needed $500 million to prevent its collapse.