We are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Apollo Bay and district community members to join a Community Reference Group (CRG) as the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment project progresses.

The call for EOI for the new CRG follows the completion of an independent review of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020, marking a crucial step forward for the project.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020 was developed as part of a community infrastructure planning project by the Colac Otway Shire Council to create vibrant and sustainable public spaces for locals and visitors.

The City Deal funding allows key elements of the development plan to be brought to life.

To ensure that these elements would achieve all necessary consents, a review of the plan was required to ensure the project’s success.

The review found that design amendments are needed to ensure current planning and environmental controls are met.

The group's focus will be on balancing community aspirations with best practices in coastal infrastructure, guided by relevant legislation, including the Marine and Coastal Act (2018) and the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act (2020). 

If you have skills in ecological / environmental knowledge, landscape or urban design, open space thinking and visioning, local knowledge, are a regular user of the Harbour precinct and have a passion for the coast and Apollo Bay you will be highly valued.  

What will be my responsibilities if I join the community reference group?

Being part of the CRG will require a commitment to attend dedicated workshops. You will also be expected to promote and participate in wider community engagement activities from mid-2024. Regular meetings will keep things moving as we head towards project delivery.

The CRG will work within several parameters, including budget, time, site limitations, planning and statutory consents, and grant funding requirements. We anticipate the Authority, together with the CRG, will deliver a design outcome that will be presented to the community for comment and feedback through community engagement.

The CRG will be integral to the success of the project, working closely with the project team to reach the best outcome for Apollo Bay. When assessing Expressions of Interest, we will be looking for people from a range of different backgrounds and experiences, so that a balanced cross section of the Apollo Bay and surrounding community is represented.

Timelines

The CRG will kick off in June 2024, followed by a series of workshops over the ensuing months to refine designs and prepare a draft Precinct Plan.

We encourage all those interested in becoming a member of the CRG to submit your expression of interest below.