We are inviting expressions of interest from Kennett River community members to join a Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure in Kennett River project. This project is funded by the Geelong City Deal and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

Following early community engagement in the Issues and Opportunities phase for this project, a CRG will help inform the draft Precinct Plan to arrive at solutions for tourism infrastructure improvements. The CRG, made up of 6 - 8 community representatives, and a Technical Working Group (comprised of government agency representatives) will both be integral to the development of a Precinct Plan, which will also inform a Masterplan for the Kennett River Family Caravan Park.

The CRGs 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). 

What will be my responsibilities if I join the Community Reference Group?

Being part of the CRG will require a significant commitment at first. After a welcome meeting in May 2024, members will be expected to commit to approximately three half-day workshops across May - July 2024. Following that, you will be expected to promote and participate in wider community engagement activities. Thereafter, 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 a draft Precinct Plan will be presented to the community for review and feedback around the middle of this year.

Timeline

The first meeting of the CRG group is scheduled to take place in May 2024, with a series of workshops planned across May through to July 2024. The outcomes of these workshops will inform wider community engagement later this year.

If you have skills in landscape design, open space thinking and visioning, local knowledge, tourism knowledge, an interest in science and a passion for the coast, you will be highly valued.  

*** Submissions are now closed, and we are busy reviewing applicants!