The award-winning operators of Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park have lost their bid to renew their lease, with Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee taking over from December 2017.
The Morris family had run the facility for the past 20 years and claimed its multi-million dollar investment proposal for the park had been “snubbed” by GORCC.
“To say I am disappointed would be the understatement of the year,” manager Errol Morris said.
“What I am most disappointed about is not being able to realise my family’s dream of making our park the best in Victoria.
“The Aquatic Centre was going to be such a great benefit to the Anglesea community and the Great Ocean Road, not just the park.
“We currently employ 25 local people, many long-standing, so our priority now is their futures.”
But he said he accepted that GORCC had every right to take over management of the park.
GORCC Chief Executive Officer Richard Davies said the tender process did not find an acceptable proposal for the value of the site.
“We will work closely with the community to ensure the future directions for the park and investment in the park and environment are in accordance with community, camper and visitor expectations,” Mr Davies said.
Mr Davies said the committee was committed to maintaining the site at current standards and that no current guests, campers and permit holders would be disadvantaged by the change.
He said funds generated through park operations would go into park improvements, other coastal management projects such as Queens Park Caravan Park and Point Grey.
