Council pulls GORCC cash

ERIN PEARSON
A COUNCIL decision to stop funding Surf Coast’s foreshore management body will force cost cutting, according to its chief executive.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s Richard Davies said some projects were in doubt after councillors voted last week to pull the annual allocation of around $100,000.
Mr Davies said the decision left him “surprised and frustrated”.
“The committee will now look at where we can make cuts to this coastal works budget,” he said.
“The decision is a disappointing outcome for the coast.”
Mr Davies said the committee spent $1.7 million a year managing 37 kilometres of coastal reserves from Point Impossible to Lorne.
The Independent revealed in 2008 that council had voted to provide funding to the committee, a State Government body.
The committee draws other revenue from operating public caravan parks at Torquay and Lorne and from leases, licenses and permit fees along Great Ocean Road.
A council report said the committee no longer needed ratepayer funding after securing revenue from land leased to Lorne’s Erskine House.
“It has become apparent…there is no longer a need for council to provide financial input into the agreement,” the report said.