The draft Urban Design Framework, has been prepared by Human Habitats, with inputs and collaboration from the following partners and stakeholders:

• Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA)

• Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC)

• Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSR)

• Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)

• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)

The UDF is a strategic planning tool that establishes the vision, key guiding principles, and spatial layout for the redevelopment of Point Grey over time. It does not include finite solutions or detailed design.

Community engagement is now closed, and the project team is busy analysing the feedback.

The Point Grey Precinct (the Precinct) is an area of public land on the Lorne foreshore, located at the eastern-most point of Lorne, to the south of the town centre. The Precinct is connected to the centre of Lorne by a walking track along the foreshore and is the starting point for the annual Lorne ‘Pier to Pub’ swimming event. It is also the site of the Port of Lorne and comprises a mix of public assets, including, among other things:

• Lorne Pier
• Former Fishing Co-op Building
• Lorne Angling and Aquatic Club (LAAC) building
• New beach access, boat ramp
• Historic boat ramp (pedestrian only ‘Pier to Pub’ ramp)
• Public open space reserve, including barbeque, picnic tables, passive recreation area.
• Public toilets
• Public lighting
• Car parking
• Mature trees and landscaping

In addition to its Indigenous cultural heritage significance, the Precinct is an integral part of the Lorne community, valued for its economic, environmental, social, and cultural importance. It is widely used by locals, holidaymakers, and day visitors alike.

Since the previous redevelopment application, the legislative and policy context has shifted significantly. The focus is now firmly on protecting coastal habitats and the natural environment, ensuring resilience for maritime recreation and infrastructure, and safeguarding ports from climate change impacts, among other things. Policy has moved away from promoting coastal Crown land for general tourism revenue, toward supporting only coastal-dependent recreational and eco-tourism activities that enhance the coast’s natural and cultural values.

In line with the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020, the Authority is committed to minimising the building footprint at the site, while ensuring the site can still support appropriate coastally dependent uses. These include passive and active maritime recreation, in line with the purpose of the Public Parks and Recreation Zone, as well as the protection of the coastline, consistent with the land’s reservation under the Crown Land Reserves Act 1978.

The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020

Pursuant to the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, the Authority must apply the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Protection Principles when carrying out any function, duty, or power related to land under its management, including the development of the Point Grey UDF and the precinct’s future redevelopment.

These Principles fall under four categories:

• General and Economic
• Aboriginal Inclusion
• Environmental
• Social

Decisions must reflect a careful balance and integration of environmental, cultural, social, and economic values.

The Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978

The Point Grey precinct is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for the “protection of the coastline” for the benefit of all Victorians.

P1182/2020 Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Determination

The previous iteration of the Point Grey redevelopment, which required a planning permit, received a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit from Surf Coast Shire. This decision was appealed by members of the Lorne community, with the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club joining the appeal. The matter was heard at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which ultimately overturned the decision in 2022.

A copy of the VCAT determination order can be found, here.

Pertinent grounds for refusal made in the determination order included:

• 188. This proposal is essentially for a Restaurant in this location to attract tourism revenue, as opposed to providing support to the marine and coastal location and anticipated activities within it.
• 189. The Restaurant is not dependent on the coastal location and Point Grey does not require a Restaurant, nor is this use naturally aligned with the purposes of the Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ), or the purposes for which the land is reserved.
• 190. The design of the Restaurant, while not before the Tribunal in terms of permission, affects the way in which it will be used. It has been designed to form the dominant use of the site as a destination venue, to cater for 160 patrons from 7am to 11pm at night. It is a commercial use that could be located anywhere. Any relationship of this use with the PPRZ purposes are incidental, in the sense that it may provide food and drink for people otherwise utilising the public areas, or that people attending the Restaurant can take advantage of the ocean views available.
• 191. The Marine & Coastal Policy (MCP) discusses uses and development that are functionally dependent on being on or near the water and discourages those that are not. Not only is this use not dependent on being within Point Grey, the use, by virtue of its location, scale and design, does not support the other uses of the land that are functionally dependent on being on or near the water and are consistent with the purposes of the PPRZ.
• 197. Reflecting on the current focus of the Scheme, an application made today would be required to consider matters such as the connection of the use to the marine and coastal environment, the carrying capacity of the site and the impacts of the proposed use on the environment. I find that, in this context, the commercial Restaurant use, at the scale proposed, is not supported by the Scheme.
• 198. I rely also on the strategies of clause 12.02-2S, to meet the objective of ensuring the use and development of marine and coastal Crown land is ecologically sustainable, minimises impacts on cultural and environmental values, and improves public benefit for current and future generations.
• 199. Those strategies seek to ensure that use and development on a site such as this maintains safe, equitable public access, improves public benefit, demonstrates need and has a coastal dependency and minimises loss of public open space.
• 200. With respect to equitable access to marine and coastal Crown land, the Restaurant will be exclusively used by paying customers. This is limiting access to land located in a public park and recreation area on land identified within the Scheme as public open space and reserved for public purposes. The proposed use does not improve public benefit for the site and has not arisen from a demonstrated need that is relevant to the marine and coastal Crown land. It does not have a coastal dependency and is identified in the MCP as a use not anticipated to be provided on or near the water.
• 201. The scale of the proposed restaurant use requires a building of commensurate size that results in loss of what would otherwise be public open space, as well as affecting the amount of car parking required to be provided on public open space land and vegetation removal that is a consequence of providing such car parking. While I acknowledge that many elements of the overall proposal include improvements such as the new boardwalks, seating options and public facilities within the precinct, this does not depend on the Restaurant use and the use in itself does not provide a public benefit as anticipated by the Scheme.
• 202. For the reasons set out above, I consider that the proposal before the Tribunal to use the land for a Restaurant, even if it was associated with the public land use, is not supported by the Scheme. I find that a permit should not be granted for the Restaurant use.

Planning for the Point Grey Redevelopment reached an important milestone in October 2024, with the completion of a key report which will inform future design options for the Lorne Precinct.

Please watch this 9-minute video to hear from our team as they share an overview of the Opportunities and Constraints Report.

The Opportunities and Constraints Report is part of a rigorous master planning and design process we’re following to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy this special part of Victoria’s coastline for years to come.

The report will help inform the feasibility of future design options, which will be the focus of the next phase of the project. Head Consultants NMBW Architecture Studio prepared the report in collaboration with Architecture Associates, GLAS Landscape Architecture and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

It was informed by a comprehensive review of Government legislation, alongside feedback from the local community, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, project stakeholders, specialist assessments, and the analysis of a range of site-specific factors.

The report outlines significant opportunities, such as the potential to:

• Celebrate the site’s maritime past and provide ongoing support to recreational angling
• Increase accessible and equitable access to the coastal edge
• Protect Eastern Maar Cultural heritage places and values
• Develop a rigorous Coastal Adaptation Plan to build resilience to coastal hazard risk; and
• Manage conflicting pedestrian and vehicle traffic

Practical issues around the safe and efficient movement of boat trailers, tourist bus drop-off and pick up points, structural integrity of the Fishing Co-Operative building, as well as appropriate car parking, bicycle use, and pedestrian accessibility will be factored into any revised design options.

Download the summary report here.

Download the FAQ here.

A Community Values Survey was undertaken in 2024 to reaffirm the vision for Point Grey.

We received 1,141 responses, which set a record for our Have Your Say engagement platform.

The feedback highlighted that the precinct is loved for its natural setting; its ocean and pier views; and the community facilities it hosts.

Most respondents wanted to see the character and ‘feel’ of the site and its history as a fishing hub maintained and recognised in any future development.

You can view the full report here.

The Victoria’s Resilient Coast (VRC) Framework has guided the planning process for this site, supporting proactive and long-term coastal hazard risk management.

With climate change expected to increase exposure to coastal hazards—including intensified wave action, storm activity, and sea level rise—this framework provides a structured approach for assessing vulnerability and identifying appropriate adaptation responses.

The Point Grey Precinct is increasingly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation, with erosion hazards expected to intensify due to climate change. The current erosion hazard zone extends approximately 10 metres inland from the shoreline, with projections indicating it may reach 20 metres by 2100. While inundation risk is currently low, sea level rise is expected to affect low-lying areas from around 2070, potentially threatening key environmental, cultural, and built assets.

Adaptation planning at the site follows the Marine and Coastal Policy’s adaptation hierarchy. West of the boat ramp, minimal intervention is proposed, supported by a combination of nature-based solutions and managed retreat. Between the boat ramp and the pier, the landscape will be designed to accommodate gradual erosion. In the area surrounding and north of the pier, the existing revetment will be progressively upgraded as required. To reduce future impacts from erosion and sea level rise, all new infrastructure should be set back as far as feasible.

The VRC Framework, combined with community values and objectives, has been central to evaluating adaptation options and shaping feasible pathways.

Adaptation measures have been carefully assessed to minimise unintended impacts on surrounding environments. This process has directly informed the strategic siting of infrastructure within the precinct, enabling us to maintain the area’s core values and functions into the future.

By applying this approach, we aim to support long-term resilience and sustainable use of the site—now and beyond 2100.

If you are interested in finding out more go to the Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ webpage.

Media Release 22 April, 2025: The original Fishing Co-Operative building dates back to 1948 and was assessed as part of the Opportunities and Constraints phase of the master planning and design process for the site.

Due to its age and its location near the shoreline, the building has suffered from significant damage, primarily to the roof and masonry walls, with cracking, water damage, asbestos, dampness, and rust throughout.

Usage agreements for the building conclude on April 30, 2025, enabling essential early works including asbestos removal to begin.

All tenants, including the Lorne Historical Society, have been given an additional grace period until 31 May to vacate, allowing extra time for a safe and respectful transition.

The Lorne Aquatic & Angling Club will keep operating as normal.

The Authority has met with the Lorne Historical Society Committee to discuss the logistics and support they require to relocate operations from the co-operative during early works.

We recognise that the Lorne Historical Society presence at the Fishing Cooperative represents an additional display to its main location at the Figtree Community House at 16 Mountjoy Parade. We understand the Historical Society is exploring options to consolidate its presence there.

The Lorne Historical Society has also been encouraged to consider what materials and items they would like to highlight to promote the site's history through the design development phase.

The Authority is investigating all options for the site’s future as we prepare for early works.

Media Release May 9, 2025: Independent Assessments Confirm Structural Decline of Lorne Fishing Cooperative Building.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is working with the community to explore options to honour the legacy of the Lorne Fishing Cooperative building at Point Grey following independent assessments confirming structural decline.

We have released the findings of two independent technical assessments, which found the building has reached the end of its useful life.

The building has undergone several engineering and risk assessments as part of the evidence-based planning process for the future of the Point Grey Redevelopment.

The reports provide a thorough technical appraisal of the building’s current state which is unsafe for future use.

The original building completed construction in 1949 and has been altered over the decades through numerous extensions.

Key findings have identified significant safety, compliance, and structural issues in the building.

These issues include:

• Severe corrosion affecting key structural elements

• Structural compromises such as roof sagging, water damage, and beam deterioration

• Widespread asbestos and outdated pitch-based switchboards

• Non-compliance with current Australian Standards, including concrete slab deficiencies

• Lack of disability access.

The structure is also located within the coastal erosion zone, so further funding toward remediation works is not advised or available.

While the Co-Op building is not subject to a heritage overlay, GORCAPA is committed to preserving Lorne’s rich fishing and timber history. As part of the redevelopment, we will work with the community to explore how the original building materials and artefacts can be incorporated into the future design of Point Grey.

As part of this transition, current permit arrangements within the Co-Op building will conclude and GORCAPA will formally assume occupancy of the cooperative site on 31 May to commence early works in preparation for demolition.

These will include the safe removal of asbestos and the careful recovery of historical materials. Temporary fencing and security monitoring will be in place to ensure public safety during this period.

As the project enters its next phase, the draft Urban Design Framework will be released later this month for broad community engagement.

The feedback provided by community will be important in finalising the UDF, which will guide the future of the redevelopment.

You can download the relevant reports below:

• Structural Integrity Report
• Asbestos Survey and Risk Assessment
• Building Condition Report
• Peer Review (Building Condition Report)