Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Purposes

The purposes of this Act are—

(a) to recognise the importance of the Great Ocean Road and its environs to the economic prosperity and liveability of Victoria, and as one living and integrated natural entity, for the purposes of protecting that area; and

(b) to provide for the declaration of areas of land and water known as the Great Ocean Road region and the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area; and

(c) to provide for the declaration of an area of public land and water known as the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and

(d) to set out principles to which responsible entities must have regard when performing functions or exercising powers in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and

(e) to establish the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority; and

(f) to provide for the development, implementation and monitoring of an overarching strategic framework plan for the Great Ocean Road region; and

(g) to amend the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Act 2003 to impose new reporting requirements in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and

(h) to amend the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to provide for the interaction between a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan and planning schemes; and

(i) to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

2 Commencement

(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.

(2) If a provision of this Act does not come into operation before 1 December 2020, it comes into operation on that day.

3 Definitions

In this Act—

amenity includes the features of the Great Ocean Road region that engage community connection with nature, culture and heritage and enhance community health and wellbeing, whether through tangible or intangible means;

approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan means a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan that—

(a) has been approved under section 38; and

(b) is in operation;

Authority means the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority established under Part 5;

Barwon Water means Barwon Region Water Corporation constituted under Part 6 of the Water Act 1989;

S. 3 def. of climate change amended by No. 9/2024 s. 29.

climate change has the same meaning as in the Climate Action Act 2017;

S. 3 def. of corporate planning document inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 28(b).

corporate planning document means any of the following—

(a) a statement of corporate intent;

(b) a corporate plan;

(c) a business plan;

S. 3 def. of Department amended by No. 25/2025 s. 106(Sch. 1 item 19.1).

Department means the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action;

Department Head means the person employed as the Department Head under section 12 of the Public Administration Act 2004 for the Department;

environment means—

(a) the physical factors of the surroundings of human beings including the land, waters, atmosphere, climate, sound, odours and tastes; and

(b) the biological factors of animals and plants; and

(c) the social factor of aesthetics;

environmental carrying capacity means the scale of human activity that can take place in an area without an irreversible change in the environment of that area;

Great Ocean Road means the National Heritage listed length of the Great Ocean Road;

Great Ocean Road coast and parks means—

(a) an area of public land or water declared under section 9; and

(b) the initial Great Ocean Road land declared under section 68;

S. 3 def. of Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account means the Trust Account established under section 62A;

Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles means the principles set out in Part 3;

Great Ocean Road region means an area of land or water declared under section 8;

S. 3 def. of Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area amended by No. 47/2025 s. 28(a).

Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area means an area declared under section 10;

Great Ocean Road settlement boundary means a settlement boundary in the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area that is protected under a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan;

Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan means a plan prepared in accordance with Part 4;

Great Ocean Walk means—

(a) the walking track between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles that is commonly known as the "Great Ocean Walk"; and

(b) any additional areas of land declared under section 11;

Head, Transport for Victoria has the same meaning as in the Transport Integration Act 2010;

S. 3 def. of land management plan inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

land management plan means a plan made under section 62L, including a plan as amended or varied;

marine and coastal environment has the same meaning as in the Marine and Coastal Act 2018;

municipal council has the same meaning as Council has in the Local Government Act 1989;

S. 3 def. of municipal district inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

municipal district has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 2020;

native title holder has the same meaning as in section 224 of the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth;

Parks Victoria has the same meaning as in the Parks Victoria Act 2018;

S. 3 def. of personal information inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014;

Planning Minister means the Minister administering the Planning and Environment Act 1987;

protected settlement boundary has the same meaning as in the Planning and Environment Act 1987;

S. 3 def. of public land amended by No. 42/2021 s. 4(2).

public land means—

(a) land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; or

(b) land under the Land Act 1958; or

(c) reserved forest within the meaning of the Forests Act 1958; or

(d) land under the management and control of the Secretary or Parks Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975; or

(e) land administered under the National Parks Act 1975; or

(f) land owned by the Authority; or

(g) land under the control and management of a responsible entity that is leased to or managed by the Authority under an agreement with the responsible entity;

recognition and settlement agreement has the same meaning as in the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010;

registered Aboriginal party has the same meaning as in the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006;

S. 3 def. of Reservation Order inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

Reservation Order means a Reservation Order made by the Governor in Council under section 62V;

S. 3 def. of responsible entity amended by No. 42/2021 s. 4(3).

responsible entity means—

(a) the Authority; or

(b) Barwon Water; or

(c) Colac Otway Shire Council; or

(d) Corangamite Catchment Management Authority; or

(e) Corangamite Shire Council; or

(f) Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority; or

(g) Head, Transport for Victoria; or

(h) Moyne Shire Council; or

(i) Parks Victoria; or

(j) the Secretary; or

(k) Southern Rural Water; or

(l) Surf Coast Shire Council; or

(n) Victorian Planning Authority; or

(o) Victorian Rail Track continued under section 116 of the Transport Integration Act 2010; or

(p) Wannon Water; or

(q) Warrnambool City Council; or

(r) any other public entity or body established for a public purpose that is prescribed to be a responsible entity;

Secretary means the body corporate established by Part 2 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987;

settlement boundary has the same meaning as in the Planning and Environment Act 1987;

Southern Rural Water means Gippsland and Southern Rural Water Corporation constituted under Part 6 of the Water Act 1989;

specified Aboriginal party, in relation to an area of land, means any of the following—

(a) if there are native title holders for the whole or part of the area—the native title holders;

(b) if there is a traditional owner group entity appointed for the whole or part of the area and that traditional owner group entity is a party to a recognition and settlement agreement—the traditional owner group entity;

(c) if there is a registered Aboriginal party for the whole or part of the area—the registered Aboriginal party;

S. 3 def. of statement of obligations inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 4(1).

statement of obligations means the statement made under section 62F, including a statement of obligations as amended or varied;

traditional owner group entity has the same meaning as in the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010;

Traditional Owner Land Management Board means a Board established under Part 8A of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987;

Victorian coastal waters has the same meaning as the expression "coastal waters of the State" has in relation to Victoria under the Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 of the Commonwealth;

Wannon Water means Wannon Region Water Corporation constituted under Part 6 of the Water Act 1989.

4 Act does not affect native title rights and interests or certain other rights

(1) Nothing in this Act—

(a) is intended to affect native title rights and interests otherwise than in accordance with the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth; or

(b) derogates from any right or expectation under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 or the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010; or

(c) affects any other right or expectation of traditional owners or Aboriginal Victorians under any other Act or law.

(2) In this section, affect and native title rights and interests have the same meanings as in the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth.

5 Filming Approval Act 2014

This Act is filming approval legislation within the meaning of the Filming Approval Act 2014.

6 Transport Integration Act 2010

This Act is interface legislation within the meaning of the Transport Integration Act 2010.

7 Act binds the Crown

This Act binds the Crown in right of Victoria and, so far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.

Part 2—Great Ocean Road region, coast and parks and scenic landscapes area

8 Great Ocean Road region

(1) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare any area of land or water referred to in subsection (3) to be the Great Ocean Road region.

(2) The Minister may only make a recommendation under subsection (1) with the consent of—

(a) any Minister that administers an Act under which public land is managed, if public land under that Act is within the proposed Great Ocean Road region; and

(b) the Planning Minister.

(a) land and water between the outer limit of Victorian coastal waters and the Great Ocean Road;

(b) land and water between the Great Ocean Road and inland of the Great Ocean Road that is within the municipal districts of the following municipal councils—

(i) Surf Coast Shire Council;

(ii) Colac Otway Shire Council;

(iii) Corangamite Shire Council;

(iv) Moyne Shire Council;

S. 8(3)(b)(v) amended by No. 42/2021 s. 5(a).

(v) Warrnambool City Council;

S. 8(3)(c) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 5(b).

(c) land on which the Great Ocean Road is situated.

(4) The Order must identify any land to which it applies by reference to a numbered plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.

(5) The Governor in Council may remove any land or water from the Great Ocean Road region in the same manner as a declaration is made under this section.

9 Great Ocean Road coast and parks

(1) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare any area of public land or water referred to in subsection (3) to be the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

S. 9(2) substituted by No. 42/2021 s. 6(1).

(2) The Minister may only make a recommendation under subsection (1) with the consent of any Minister that administers an Act under which public land is managed, if public land under that Act is within the proposed Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

(a) public land and water between the outer limit of Victorian coastal waters and the Great Ocean Road;

(b) public land and water between the Great Ocean Road and inland of the Great Ocean Road that is within the municipal districts of the following municipal councils—

(i) Surf Coast Shire Council;

(ii) Colac Otway Shire Council;

(iii) Corangamite Shire Council;

(iv) Moyne Shire Council;

S. 9(3)(b)(v) amended by No. 42/2021 s. 6(2)(a).

(v) Warrnambool City Council;

S. 9(3)(c) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 6(2)(b).

(c) land on which the Great Ocean Road is situated.

(4) The Order must identify any land to which it applies by reference to a numbered plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.

(5) The Governor in Council may remove any land or water from the Great Ocean Road coast and parks in the same manner as a declaration is made under this section.

10 Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area

S. 10(1) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 29(1).

(1) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare any area referred to in subsection (3) to be the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area.

(2) The Minister may only make a recommendation under subsection (1) with the consent of—

(a) the Premier; and

(b) the Treasurer; and

(c) any Minister that administers an Act under which public land is managed, if public land under that Act is within the proposed Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area; and

(d) the Planning Minister.

S. 10(3)(a) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

(a) land and water between the outer limit of Victorian coastal waters and the Great Ocean Road;

S. 10(3)(b) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

(b) land and water between—

(i) the inland boundary of the land on which the Great Ocean Road is situated; and

(ii) the inland boundary of the viewshed from any point on the Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Walk or the coastline;

Example

A gully is located in the area between the boundaries described paragraph (b)(i) and (ii), but cannot be seen from any point on the Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Walk or the coastline because it is behind a hill. The Governor in Council may make a declaration under this section relating to the area in which the gully is located, provided the other requirements of this section are met.

S. 10(3)(ba) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 7(1)(a), repealed by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

S. 10(3)(c) amended by No. 42/2021 s. 7(1)(b)), substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

(c) land on which the Great Ocean Road is situated;

S. 10(3)(d) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

(d) any land and water adjacent to land and water referred to in paragraph (b);

S. 10(3)(e) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(2).

(e) if a settlement is partially within the land and water described in paragraph (b), land and water on which the whole of that settlement is located that is not within the land and water described in paragraph (b).

S. 10(4) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 29(3).

(4) An Order under subsection (1) must identify the area to which it applies by reference to a numbered plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.

(5) The Governor in Council may remove any land or water from the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area in the same manner as a declaration is made under this section.

S. 10(6) def. of viewshed amended by No. 42/2021 s. 7(2).

(6) In this section—

viewshed means a landscape that can be viewed from a specified position and determined by the application of best practice mapping tools and landscape assessment methodologies.

11 Declarations of additional areas of Great Ocean Walk

For the purposes of section 10, the Minister may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare any additional areas of land to be part of the Great Ocean Walk.

Part 3—Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles

12 Application of Part

The principles set out in this Part apply to responsible entities performing a function or duty or exercising a power in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

13 General and economic principles

(1) The amenity and visitor experience of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, including its natural features, character and appearance, should be protected and enhanced for the benefit of the whole community.

(2) A holistic approach to the management of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks should be adopted with integrated planning, aligned decision-making and coordinated implementation of planning across all responsible entities.

(3) Decision-making should be based on the effective integration of environmental, cultural, social and economic considerations.

(4) Protecting the environment and attracting sustainable investment should be a responsibility shared by all levels of government, industry, business and communities.

(5) Each generation should ensure that the environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits that have been acquired are maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

14 Aboriginal inclusion principles

(1) Aboriginal cultural values, practices, heritage and knowledge should be acknowledged, respected, protected and promoted.

(2) The intrinsic connection of the traditional owners to Country should be acknowledged through partnership and involvement in policy development, planning, and decision-making for public land management.

(3) Traditional owners should be involved in the integration of their ecological knowledge and land management practices into the management of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

15 Environmental principles

(1) Natural, cultural and ecological values should be protected, and cumulative impacts on the environment should be considered in decision‑making.

(2) Decision makers should take into account evidence about climate change risks to avoid, so far as possible, serious or irreversible damage resulting from climate change.

(3) If there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent or minimise those threats.

(4) There should be a net gain for the environment arising out of any individual change in land use.

16 Social principles

(1) The heritage of the Great Ocean Road and post‑European settlement communities should be recognised, protected and promoted.

(2) Management and development of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks should protect and improve community access, use and enjoyment, and allow for multiple compatible uses of public open spaces that are within the environmental carrying capacity of those spaces.

(3) Community consultation and participation should play an essential and effective role in the protection, improvement and promotion of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Part 4—Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

Division 1—Purposes of Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

17 Purposes

The purposes of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan are—

(a) to provide the strategic direction for the future use of land in the Great Ocean Road region and for sustainable economic development across that region; and

(b) to identify areas for protection within the Great Ocean Road region; and

(c) to guide sustainable visitation within the Great Ocean Road region by providing for a regional policy for visitor management; and

(d) to guide planning and investment relating to visitor facilities and infrastructure in the Great Ocean Road region.

Division 2—Preparation of Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

18 Minister must prepare Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

The Minister must prepare a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan in accordance with this Part.

19 Consistency with Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles

Any part of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan that applies to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks must not be inconsistent with the Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles.

20 Land to which the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies

(1) The Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to the Great Ocean Road region.

(2) The Minister may specify all or part of the Great Ocean Road region as land to which a specified part of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies.

(3) The Minister may include spatial plans in the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for the purposes of subsection (2).

(4) The Minister may specify as binding on responsible entities any parts of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan that relate to the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area.

21 Long-term objectives and vision statement

(1) The Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must set out long-term objectives for the Great Ocean Road region.

(2) The Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must set out a vision statement for a period of at least 50 years that—

(a) identifies the values, priorities and preferences of the Victorian community in relation to the Great Ocean Road region; and

(b) identifies the aspirations and objectives of specified Aboriginal parties in relation to the Great Ocean Road region; and

(c) includes preferences for future land use, protection and development in the Great Ocean Road region.

22 Requirements of Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) The Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must—

(a) give effect to the long-term objectives identified under section 21(1); and

(b) give effect to the vision statement; and

(c) recognise, protect and promote Aboriginal tangible and intangible values and other cultural and heritage values; and

(d) prioritise preservation of the ecological and landscape integrity of marine and coastal environments in the Great Ocean Road region; and

(e) include a framework for decision-making in relation to the future use and sustainable development of land in the Great Ocean Road region that—

(i) identifies areas for protection within the Great Ocean Road region; and

(ii) integrates environmental, cultural, social and economic factors for the benefit of the community; and

(iii) encourages environmentally sustainable development; and

(iv) subject to subsection (2), may designate any settlement boundary in a plan of the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area as a Great Ocean Road settlement boundary; and

(v) identifies areas for key visitor facilities and infrastructure and sets out an approach to visitor management within the Great Ocean Road region; and

(vi) takes into account the projected impacts of natural processes and climate change; and

Natural processes include any geomorphological processes, weather or environmental forces.

(vii) takes into account emergency management requirements; and

(viii) takes the following into account—

(A) the quality of life for local communities in the Great Ocean Road region;

(B) the need for economic development of the Great Ocean Road region; and

(f) state the parts of the plan that are binding (if any) on responsible entities and the parts to which responsible entities are only required to have regard; and

(g) cover any other matter relating to the Great Ocean Road region as determined by the Minister.

(2) A Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not designate a settlement boundary that is a protected settlement boundary as a Great Ocean Road settlement boundary.

(3) The Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must include a copy of any Orders made under section 8, 9 or 10.

Division 3—Minister to prepare draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

23 Preparation of draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) The Minister must prepare a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan and give a copy of that plan to—

(a) any specified Aboriginal party in relation to the Great Ocean Road region; and

(b) the responsible entities and the Ministers responsible for those entities.

(2) An entity referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) may make a submission to the Minister on the draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan.

Division 4—Public consultation

24 Release of draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for public consultation

(1) The Minister may approve a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for release for public consultation.

(2) The Minister must have regard to any submissions received under section 23(2) when determining whether to approve a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for release for public consultation.

(3) After the Minister has approved a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for release for public consultation, the Minister must make a copy of that draft available—

(a) for public inspection, free of charge, at the head office of the Department; and

(b) on the Internet site of the Department.

25 Public submissions on draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) The Minister must advertise, in any manner the Minister thinks fit—

(a) the availability of a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan for inspection; and

(b) the opportunity for public submissions to be made to the Minister on the draft plan, indicating that all submissions will be available for inspection by the public; and

(c) the time period for public submissions to be made, being a period of at least 2 months.

(2) The Minister must make a copy of all public submissions made to the Minister on a draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan available for public inspection, free of charge, at the head office of the Department.

S. 25(3) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 30.

(3) The Minister must consider all submissions made to the Minister within the time period specified under subsection (1)(c).

S. 25(4) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 30.

(4) The Minister may refer any submissions that the Minister does not adopt to a panel appointed under section 26.

Division 5—Panels

S. 26 amended by No. 47/2025 s. 31.

26 Appointment of panel

If the Minister decides to refer submissions to a panel under section 25(4), the Minister must appoint a panel to consider submissions to be referred to a panel by the Minister under section 25(3)(b).

27 Composition of panel

A panel may consist of one or more persons.

28 Chairperson

If a panel consists of more than one member, the Minister must appoint one of the members to be chairperson.

29 Costs and expenses of panel

(1) Each member of a panel is entitled to receive any fees and allowances fixed by the Department Head in respect of that member.

(2) The Department Head must pay the fees or allowances unless the Minister otherwise determines.

(3) If any member of a panel is a person employed by or on behalf of the Crown, the Department Head must pay to the Crown the amount fixed by the Minister in respect of the costs of remuneration and expenses of that person for the period that the person is a member of the panel.

(4) The Department Head must pay for, or reimburse, any reasonable costs and expenses incurred for or by a panel in carrying out its functions under this Part unless the Minister otherwise determines.

30 Panels with more than one member

The following provisions apply to panels with more than one member—

(a) in the case of a panel of 2 members, the chairperson constitutes a quorum;

(b) in the case of a panel of more than 2 members, a quorum is half the number of members constituting the panel and, if this would not be a whole number, the next highest whole number;

(c) the members of a panel of more than 2 members may appoint a member to act as chairperson at a meeting of the panel if the chairperson is unable to attend;

(d) the chairperson has an additional or casting vote if there is an equality of votes at a meeting of the panel;

(e) if there is a quorum, the panel may act despite a vacancy in its membership;

(f) the Minister may appoint another member to a panel if there is a vacancy.

31 Panel may regulate its own proceedings

Subject to this Division, a panel may regulate its own proceedings.

32 Department Head to provide assistance

The Department Head must provide a panel with any secretarial and other assistance that the panel requires to carry out its functions under this Part.

33 Consideration of submissions

(1) A panel must consider the submissions referred to it and give any person who made a public submission referred to it a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

(2) The panel must give a reasonable opportunity to be heard to—

(a) any responsible entity; and

(b) the Minister; and

(c) any specified Aboriginal party for the Great Ocean Road region; and

(d) any person that the Minister directs the panel to hear.

34 Conduct of hearings by panel

(1) Subject to this Part and any necessary modification, Division 2 of Part 8 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (except sections 169 and 170 of that Act) applies to the conduct of a hearing by a panel under this Part as if—

(a) a reference in Part 8 of that Act to the relevant planning authority were a reference to the Minister; and

(b) Part 8 of that Act did not refer to the preparation of a planning scheme or an amendment of a planning scheme.

(2) The panel must report its findings, including any recommendations that the panel thinks fit—

(a) to the Minister; and

(b) to the Planning Minister (if the Minister administering this Act is not the Planning Minister).

(3) The Minister must make a copy of the panel's report under subsection (2) available—

(a) for public inspection, free of charge, at the head office of the Department; and

(b) on the Internet site of the Department.

35 Offences

A person must not—

(a) obstruct a member of a panel while the member is performing functions or exercising powers as a member; or

(b) obstruct any person attending a hearing before a panel; or

(c) repeatedly interrupt a hearing before a panel; or

(d) without lawful excuse disobey a direction of a panel.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Division 6—Revision and approval of Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

36 Minister to prepare revised draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

After the process under Divisions 4 and 5 (the public submission process) is completed, the Minister must—

S. 36(a) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 32(1).

(a) consider a report of a panel under section 34(2), if a panel was appointed; and

(b) prepare a revised draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan to take account of—

(i) any amendments arising out of the public submission process; and

S. 36(b)(ii) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 32(2).

(ii) any recommendations in any report of a panel, if a panel was appointed.

37 Minister to provide a revised draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan to certain entities

(1) The Minister must give a copy of a revised draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan—

(a) to the responsible entities, and to the Ministers responsible for those entities; and

(b) to any specified Aboriginal party in relation to the Great Ocean Road region.

(2) The Minister must have regard to any responses received from the persons referred to in subsection (1) when determining whether to approve a revised draft Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan.

Division 7—Approval of Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

38 Minister to publish notice of approval in Government Gazette

(1) The Minister may approve a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan, subject to receiving the approval of the following Ministers—

(a) the Planning Minister (if the Minister administering this Act is not the Planning Minister) in regard to any contents that have implications relating to the Planning and Environment Act 1987;

S. 38(1)(b) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 33.

(b) any Minister who administers an Act under which public land is managed, if—

(i) that public land is within the Great Ocean Road region; and

(ii) the Minister is not the Minister administering this Act.

(2) The Minister must publish notice of the approval of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan in the Government Gazette.

39 When Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan comes into operation

A Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan comes into operation on—

(a) the day on which notice of its approval is published in the Government Gazette; or

(b) any later date specified in that notice as the day the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan comes into operation.

40 Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan and notice of approval to be laid before Parliament

On or before the 7th sitting day after notice of the approval of a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan has been published in the Government Gazette under section 38, a copy of that plan and that notice must be laid before each House of the Parliament.

41 Public availability of approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

While an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan remains in force, a copy of it must be made available—

(a) for public inspection, free of charge, at the principal office of each responsible entity and the Department; and

(b) on the Internet sites of each responsible entity and the Department.

Division 8—Amendment of approved plan and preparation of new plan

42 Minor amendments to approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

S. 42(1) substituted by No. 42/2021 s. 8.

(1) The Minister may amend an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan if the Minister is satisfied that—

(a) the amendment is of a minor or technical nature so that compliance with Divisions 1 to 7 (other than section 41) and Division 9 in relation to the amendment is not warranted; or

(b) if the approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is Crown land which is the subject of a joint management plan under Part 8A of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 in respect of appointed land under that Part between the Secretary and a Traditional Owner Land Management Board, the amendment is necessary to ensure that the approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan is not inconsistent with that joint management plan for the appointed land.

(2) Before making an amendment under subsection (1), the Minister must consult with—

(a) the Planning Minister, if the Minister administering this Act is not the Planning Minister; and

(b) any Minister that administers an Act under which public land is managed, if public land under that Act is within the Great Ocean Road region; and

(c) the Minister responsible for a responsible entity affected by the proposed amendment.

S. 42A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 9.

42A Procedure for making minor amendments to approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) This section applies if the Minister amends an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan under section 42(1).

(2) The Minister must comply with section 41 and this section in relation to that amendment, but is not otherwise required to comply with the requirements of Divisions 1 to 7 and Division 9 in relation to that amendment.

(3) The Minister must publish notice of the amendment in the Government Gazette.

(4) The amendment takes effect on—

(a) the day on which notice of the amendment is published in the Government Gazette; or

(b) any later date specified in that notice as the day the amendment takes effect.

(5) On or before the 7th sitting day after notice of the amendment is published in the Government Gazette under subsection (3), a copy of the amendment and that notice must be laid before each House of the Parliament.

43 Preparation of new Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan after 10 years

(1) No later than 10 years after the commencement of a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan, the Minister must—

(a) conduct and complete a review of that Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan; and

(b) prepare and complete a new Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan.

(2) Subject to any necessary modification, Divisions 1 to 7 apply to the preparation of a new Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan.

Division 9—Interaction with other Acts

44 Specific legislation and a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land to which a management plan under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 applies, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(b) any management plan under that Act unless the Minister administering that Act, after consultation with the Minister administering the Act under which the relevant land is managed (if any), gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency.

(2) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land administered under the National Parks Act 1975, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(b) any management plan under that Act unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(c) any land management plan under the Parks Victoria Act 2018 unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency.

(3) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(b) the purpose for which that land is reserved; or

(c) any land management plan under the Parks Victoria Act 2018 unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(4) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, and that land is subject to additional management requirements as a State Wildlife Reserve or a Nature Reserve under the Wildlife Act 1975, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Wildlife Act 1975; or

(b) any plan of management under the Wildlife Act 1975 unless the land manager gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(c) any land management plan under the Parks Victoria Act 2018 unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(5) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land to which a regional waterway strategy under the Water Act 1989 applies, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Water Act 1989; or

(b) that strategy unless the Water Minister and the environment Minister jointly give a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency.

(6) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is Crown land which is the subject of a joint management plan under Part 8A of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 in respect of appointed land under that Part between the Secretary and a Traditional Owner Land Management Board, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987; or

(b) that joint management plan for the appointed land unless the Secretary and the Traditional Owner Land Management Board jointly give a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency.

(7) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is marine and coastal Crown land which is the subject of a coastal and marine management plan under Division 1 of Part 7 of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Marine and Coastal Act 2018; or

(b) that coastal and marine management plan unless the Minister administering that Act gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(c) an environmental management plan made under section 49(2) of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018; or

(8) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is State forest under the Forests Act 1958, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Forests Act 1958; or

(b) any working plan under that Act unless the land manager gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(c) any land management plan under the Parks Victoria Act 2018 unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(9) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is unreserved Crown land, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with—

(a) the Land Act 1958; or

(b) any land management plan under the Parks Victoria Act 2018 unless Parks Victoria gives a specific written endorsement to the Minister authorising the inconsistency; or

(c) an accepted recommendation.

(10) If a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan applies to any land that is within an area of Victoria declared by the Governor in Council to be a distinctive area and landscape under Part 3AAB of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan must not be inconsistent with the Statement of Planning Policy approved in relation to that area under that Part.

(11) Notice of any endorsement under this section must be published in the Government Gazette by the entity giving the endorsement to the Minister.

(12) In this section—

accepted recommendation has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978;

environment Minister has the same meaning as in the Water Act 1989;

water Minister means the Minister administering the Water Act 1989.

Division 10—Delegation

45 Power of Minister to delegate

The Minister may, by instrument, delegate to any person any powers or functions under this Act relating to the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan, other than this power of delegation.

Part 5—Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

Division 1—Establishment, functions and powers

46 Establishment of the Authority

(1) The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is established.

(2) The Authority—

(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and

(b) has a common seal; and

(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name; and

(d) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and

S. 46(2)(e) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 34.

(e) may take land on lease and grant subleases of leased land in accordance with this Act; and

(f) may accept grants or donations of money or other personal property (whether by deed, will or otherwise) for a purpose related to the functions of the Authority; and

(g) may expend any revenue from the land or any other moneys for any of the purposes of performing any of the functions of the Authority; and

(h) may do and suffer all acts and things that a body corporate may by law do and suffer.

(3) The common seal must be kept as directed by the board of the Authority and must not be used except as authorised by the board.

(4) All courts must take judicial notice of the common seal of the Authority affixed to a document and, until the contrary is proved, must presume that it was duly affixed.

(5) Section 9 of the Financial Management Act 1994 does not apply to any grant or donation accepted by the Authority under subsection (2)(f).

S. 47 amended by No. 42/2021 s. 10.

47 Object of the Authority

The object of the Authority is to protect, conserve, enhance and manage public land and coastal assets within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

S. 48 substituted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48 Functions of the Authority

(1) The Authority has the following functions—

(a) to control and manage land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks for the benefit of the environment and current and future generations and in a manner that—

(i) protects and enhances the land, including its natural and cultural values; and

(ii) provides for the land to be appropriately used, enjoyed and appreciated;

(b) to enforce and ensure compliance with laws applying to land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

(c) if the Authority considers it appropriate in all the circumstances to do so, to facilitate, coordinate and undertake any development of land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks that is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, consistent with the purpose for which the land is reserved;

(d) to coordinate and deliver capital works projects in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

S. 48(1)(e) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 35.

(e) to manage visitation in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

(f) to provide visitor services in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

(g) to manage visitor facilities and visitor infrastructure in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

(h) to provide services for the prevention or suppression of, or recovery from, fire or another emergency under an agreement or arrangement under section 48E;

(i) to inform and educate the community about the benefits of, and threats to, land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks;

(j) to promote good relations between the Authority and the community;

(k) to provide advice to the Minister, the Department Head and responsible entities on matters relevant to its object or functions;

(l) to do anything that is necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with or incidental to the achievement of its object;

(m) any other function conferred on the Authority by or under this Act or any other Act.

Other functions of the Authority may include—

(a) acting as a committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or the Forests Act 1958, when appointed as such a committee; and

(b) acting as the port manager of a local port under the Port Management Act 1995, when appointed as such a manager.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), controlling and managing land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks includes but is not limited to—

(a) developing management and other plans and strategies for the land in consultation with the community; and

(b) acknowledging and promoting the knowledge and interests of traditional owners in relation to the land; and

(c) undertaking works, improvements and other activities on the land; and

(d) providing opportunities for the community to enjoy and appreciate the land, and providing facilities, information and services to support that enjoyment and appreciation; and

(e) monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the condition and use of the land; and

(f) conducting, co-ordinating and encouraging research activities relating to the land.

S. 48A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48A Powers of the Authority

(1) The Authority has all powers necessary to perform its functions under this Act or any other Act.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority, subject to subsection (3), may enter into any agreements, contracts or arrangements in connection with the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.

(3) The Authority must not enter into a management agreement in relation to land managed under the National Parks Act 1975 unless the agreement is entered into under section 16D of that Act.

S. 48B inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48B Performance of functions and exercise of powers—general

(1) In performing its functions and exercising its powers, the Authority must—

(a) acknowledge the intrinsic connection of the traditional owners to Country, including by way of suitable representation or involvement of specified Aboriginal parties in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks in policy development, planning, land management and decision-making; and

S. 48B(1)(b) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 36(1).

(b) engage, consult and collaborate with other responsible entities that have responsibility for managing land and the visitor experience within the land boundary described in subsection (4); and

(c) have regard to the functions conferred on councils, planning authorities and responsible authorities by the Planning and Environment Act 1987; and

(d) have regard to the functions of public sector bodies, including bodies that have responsibility for the planning and delivery of infrastructure, visitor economy and related services in and around the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and

(e) strive to achieve State Government policy objectives through coordination between all levels of government, government agencies and with the private sector; and

(f) have regard to the sustainable growth of the visitor economy in the Great Ocean Road region; and

(g) have regard to the Authority's current annual corporate plan and 5-year business strategy; and

(h) engage with local communities in the development of public land management plans and policies that are of particular relevance to those local communities.

(2) The Authority must obtain the approval of the Minister before acquiring or disposing of real property if the value of the property is $5 million or more.

S. 48B(2A) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 36(2).

(2A) The Authority must obtain the approval of the Minister before acquiring, leasing, disposing or otherwise dealing with land that is located outside the land boundary described in subsection (4).

(3) The Authority must publish on its Internet site a report on the outcome of each engagement with a local community.

S. 48B(4) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 36(3).

(4) For the purposes of this section, the land boundary is the perimeter marked by a continuous red line on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./25-005.

S. 48C inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48C Performance of functions and exercise of powers—land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks

(1) In performing its functions and exercising its powers in relation to any area of land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, the Authority must—

(a) act consistently with the enactments applying to the management of the land; and

(b) have regard to the environmental carrying capacity of the land.

(2) In performing its function to facilitate, coordinate and undertake any development of land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks that is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Authority must ensure that—

(a) the rights and interests of specified Aboriginal parties in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks are protected; and

(b) any development of the land is—

(i) consistent with the environmental, cultural, heritage and social values of that land; and

(ii) within the environmental carrying capacity of the land.

S. 48D inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48D Obligations of the Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road region

(1) When performing a function or duty or exercising a power under this Act or any other Act, the Authority—

(a) must not act inconsistently with any part of an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan that is expressed to be binding on the Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area; and

(b) must have regard to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and

(c) must have regard to those parts of an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan not expressed to be binding on the Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road region.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the performance of a function or the exercise of a power by the Authority in relation to a declared project within the meaning of the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009.

S. 48E inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 11.

48E Fire and other emergencies

S. 48E(1) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 37(1).

(1) The Authority may enter into an agreement or arrangement with the Secretary for the carrying out of services in relation to the prevention or suppression of, or recovery from, fire or another emergency on land in respect of which—

(a) the Secretary has the responsibility for carrying out those services; or

(b) the Secretary has an agreement or arrangement to carry out or to assist in carrying out those services.

(2) An agreement or arrangement may be entered into with the Secretary under subsection (1) whether the services to be provided are in—

(a) Victoria; or

(b) another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth; or

(c) another country.

S. 48E(3) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 37(2).

(3) The Authority may enter into an agreement or arrangement with a person or body (other than the Secretary) for the carrying out of services in relation to the prevention or suppression of, or recovery from, fire or another emergency on land in respect of which—

(a) that person or body has the responsibility for carrying out those services; or

(b) that person or body has an agreement or arrangement to carry out or to assist in carrying out those services.

(4) An agreement or arrangement may be entered into with a person or body under subsection (3) whether the services to be provided are in—

(a) Victoria; or

(b) another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth; or

(c) another country.

(5) The Authority must not enter into an agreement or arrangement under subsection (3) unless the Authority has first obtained the approval of the Minister in writing.

(6) An agreement or arrangement under this section may provide for the use of employees of the Authority for the carrying out of the services provided under the agreement or arrangement.

(7) In this section, a reference to Secretary includes a reference to the Department Head.

S. 49 amended by No. 42/2021 s. 12, repealed by No. 47/2025 s. 38.

S. 49A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 13, repealed by No. 47/2025 s. 38.

S. 49B inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 13.

49B Responsible entity must consult with Authority before undertaking certain works

(1) If a responsible entity (other than the Authority) is planning the development of visitor facilities or visitor infrastructure in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, the responsible entity must consult with the Authority before undertaking any development of visitor facilities or visitor infrastructure in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

(2) A failure to comply with subsection (1) does not invalidate any act or decision of the responsible entity.

S. 49C inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 13.

49C Authority may make guidelines

(1) The Authority may make guidelines for responsible entities in relation to the application of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles.

(2) On the making of any guidelines under subsection (1), the Authority must publish the guidelines on the Authority's Internet site.

50 Chief executive officer of the Authority

(1) The Authority may appoint a person as chief executive officer of the Authority.

(2) A person appointed under subsection (1) must not be a member of the board of the Authority.

(3) The chief executive officer holds office for the period, not exceeding 5 years, specified in their instrument of appointment.

(4) The chief executive officer is responsible to the board of the Authority for the carrying out of the Authority's functions.

(5) The chief executive officer must comply with the directions of the board of the Authority.

51 Staff of the Authority

The Authority may employ any other staff necessary for the performance of its functions.

52 Delegation by the Authority

S. 52(1) amended by No. 42/2021 s. 14(1).

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Authority, by instrument, may delegate any function, duty or power of the Authority under this Act or any other enactment to—

(a) one or more members of the board; or

(b) a committee established by the Authority that is constituted by members of the board; or

(c) the chief executive officer or an employee or a class of employee of the Authority; or

S. 52(1)(ca) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 14(2).

(ca) Parks Victoria; or

S. 52(1)(cb) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 14(2).

(cb) the chief executive officer or an employee or class of employee of Parks Victoria; or

S. 52(1)(cc) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 14(2).

(cc) the Secretary; or

(d) a person or a class of person employed under the Public Administration Act 2004 in the administration of this Act or any other enactment.

(2) The Authority cannot delegate—

(a) this power of delegation; or

(b) a power that the Authority has as a committee of management appointed under section 14 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or section 50(3) of the Forests Act 1958.

53 Ministerial directions

(1) The Minister may—

(a) give directions to the Authority in relation to the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers; and

(b) give directions to the Authority in relation to the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers as a committee of management appointed under section 14 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or section 50(3) of the Forests Act 1958.

(2) The Minister must give the Authority at least 14 days' written notice of the Minister's intention to give the Authority a direction under subsection (1).

(3) The Authority must comply with a direction received under subsection (1).

(4) The Authority must publish a direction—

(a) in the Government Gazette; and

(b) on its Internet site.

(5) The Authority must publish a summary of a direction in its annual report.

54 Authority is a public entity and a public body

(1) The Authority is a public entity for the purposes of the Public Administration Act 2004.

(2) The Authority is a public body for the purposes of the Financial Management Act 1994.

Division 2—Board of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

55 Board of directors

(1) The Authority must have a board of directors.

(2) The board may exercise the powers of the Authority.

56 Constitution of the board

(1) The board consists of—

(a) a chairperson; and

(b) a deputy chairperson; and

(c) a nominee from each specified Aboriginal party; and

(d) other directors.

(2) The board must consist of no more than 12 directors.

57 Appointment of directors

(1) The directors of the Authority must be appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.

(2) Each director of the Authority must have skills, knowledge or experience relevant to the functions of the Authority.

(3) In addition to subsection (2), the directors of the Authority must consist of at least one of each of the following persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have—

(a) substantial experience of public administration or governance;

(b) skills and experience in financial management;

(c) skills and experience in environmental conservation.

S. 57(4) substituted by No. 42/2021 s. 15.

(4) The following persons cannot be appointed as a director of the Authority—

(a) a person employed by or on behalf of a responsible entity, including a municipal council;

(b) a person who is on the board or committee of management of a responsible entity, including a Councillor (within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 2020) of a municipal council.

S. 57(4A) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 15.

(4A) Subsection (4) does not apply to—

(a) an existing director; or

(b) a nominee from a specified Aboriginal party.

(5) A director must be appointed—

(a) for the period, not exceeding 4 years, specified in the instrument of appointment; and

(b) on the terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) specified in the instrument of appointment.

(6) A director is eligible for reappointment.

58 Chairperson and deputy chairperson

The chairperson and deputy chairperson of the board must be appointed from among the directors of the Authority.

59 Vacancies, resignations and removal from office

(1) The office of a director of the Authority becomes vacant if the director—

(a) becomes an insolvent under administration; or

(b) is found guilty of an indictable offence or an offence that, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence; or

(c) retires or resigns; or

(d) is removed from office.

(2) If the office of a director of the Authority becomes vacant before the end of the term of office, the Governor in Council may appoint a person to fill the vacancy and to hold office for the remainder of the term.

(3) If the office of a director of the Authority becomes vacant within 6 months before the end of the term of the office, the office may be left vacant for the remainder of the term.

(4) A director of the Authority may resign by delivering a signed letter of resignation to the Minister.

(5) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may remove a director of the board of the Authority from office on any of the following grounds—

(a) misconduct;

(b) neglect of duty;

(c) inability to perform the duties of the office;

(d) the director fails to declare a pecuniary or other interest as required under processes put in place by the Authority under section 81(1)(f) of the Public Administration Act 2004;

(e) the director is found guilty of an offence relating to the director's duties as a director;

(f) the Minister considers that the person is no longer suitable to hold office as a member.

60 Validity of acts or decisions

(1) An act or decision of the board is not invalid merely because of—

(a) a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of a director; or

(b) a vacancy in the membership of the Authority.

(2) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act as a director of the Authority is not invalid merely because—

(a) the occasion for the appointment had not arisen; or

(b) there was a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment; or

(c) the appointment had ceased to have effect; or

(d) the occasion for the person to act had not arisen or had ceased.

61 Proceedings of the board

(1) Meetings of the board are to be held at times and places determined by the board.

(2) A majority of the directors of the board currently holding office constitutes a quorum of the board.

(3) The board must ensure that minutes are kept of each of its meetings.

(4) A question arising at a meeting must be determined by a majority of votes of directors present and voting on that question and, if the vote is equal, the person presiding has a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote.

(5) The board may allow directors to participate in a meeting by electronic means or any other means of communication.

(6) Subject to this section, the board may regulate its own proceedings.

Division 3—Reporting obligations of the board of the Authority

S. 62 substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 39.

62 Preparation of corporate planning documents by the Authority

(1) The board of the Authority must prepare an annual corporate plan setting out the Authority's work program and actions for the next financial year for the approval of the Minister.

(2) The Minister, by written notice, may specify—

(a) the date by which the annual corporate plan is to be provided to the Minister; and

(b) the information to be included in the annual corporate plan and the form in which that information must be presented.

(3) The Minister, by written notice, may request the Authority to prepare either or both of the following for the Minister's approval—

(a) a statement of corporate intent;

(b) a business plan.

(4) A request under subsection (3) must specify—

(a) the date by which the statement or plan must be provided to the Minister; and

(b) the information to be included in the statement or plan and the form in which that information must be presented.

(5) The Authority must comply with a request under subsection (3).

(6) A corporate planning document prepared by the Authority under this section may be amended at any time by the Authority with the approval of the Minister.

(7) The Minister, by written notice, may direct the Authority to amend a corporate planning document prepared by the Authority under this section at any time.

(8) The Authority must comply with a direction under subsection (7).

(9) The Authority must not publish a corporate planning document to which this section applies without the prior consent of the Minister.

S. 62AA inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 39.

62AA Authority to notify Minister of significant affecting events etc.

(1) The Authority must immediately notify the Minister if the Authority is of the opinion that matters have arisen that may prevent or significantly affect the achievement of—

(a) the objects of the Authority; or

(b) financial targets, if any, under a corporate planning document.

(2) In a notification under subsection (1), the Authority must set out the reasons for the opinion.

Pt 5 Div. 4 (Heading and ss 62A–62E) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

Division 4—The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account

S. 62A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

62A Establishment of Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account

There must be established in the Public Account as part of the Trust Fund a Trust Account to be known as the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account.

S. 62B inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

62B Payments into Great Ocean Coast and Parks Account

(1) There must be paid into the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account—

(a) any licence fee for a tour operator licence collected by the Authority under Part III of the National Parks Act 1975; and

(b) despite any Act or law to the contrary (other than Parts 3 and 4 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978), any other revenue raised by the Authority that would otherwise be directed to the Consolidated Fund; and

(c) any money received by the Authority that is—

(i) the proceeds from the sale of any real property, including Crown land; or

(ii) a grant or other payment received from the Commonwealth; or

(iii) a donation; and

(d) all money received by or paid to the Authority in respect of the Great Ocean Road coasts and parks or any other land that it manages; and

(e) all money directed or authorised to be paid into the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account by or under this Act, the regulations under this Act or any other Act; and

(f) income or interest received from the investment of money in the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account; and

(g) all money that is appropriated by the Parliament for the purposes of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account.

(2) In addition, any money standing to the credit of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account may be invested in any securities that are approved by the Treasurer and any interest derived from those investments must be paid into the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account.

(3) Subsection (2) applies despite any Act (other than the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006) or law to the contrary.

S. 62C inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

62C Payments out of Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account

(1) Subject to subsection (2), there must be paid out of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account—

(a) any amounts required for the Authority to carry out its object and functions; and

(b) all money directed or authorised to be paid out of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account by or under this Act or any other Act; and

(c) money for works or projects of the Authority specified by written direction of the Minister; and

(d) any refund of a licence fee for a tour operator licence under—

(i) Part 3A of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; or

(ii) the Forests Act 1958; or

(iii) Part I of the Land Act 1958; or

(iv) Part III of the National Parks Act 1975; or

(v) Part IIA of the Wildlife Act 1975.

(2) Money received by the Authority that is the proceeds from the sale of any public land and other real property may only be paid out of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account for the purchase of public land and other real property.

S. 62D inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

62D Borrowing, investments and agreements

(1) The Authority has the powers conferred on it by or under the Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987.

(2) The Authority may invest any part of the funds in the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account which are not immediately required for the purposes of the Authority in any manner approved by the Treasurer.

(3) The Authority may enter into arrangements or agreements with any person or body to act as the Authority's agent in the carrying out of the Authority's functions in relation to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account.

S. 62E inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 16 (as amended by No. 23/2022 s. 8(1)).

62E Closure of Account

(1) Section 19(4) of the Financial Management Act 1994 does not apply to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account.

(2) the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Account may only be closed by an amendment to this Act.

Pt 5 Div. 5 (Heading and s. 62EA) inserted by No. 11/2026 s. 161.

Division 5—Transfer of staff from Parks Victoria

S. 62EA inserted by No. 11/2026 s. 161.

62EA Transfer of staff from Parks Victoria

(1) Parks Victoria may transfer an employee of Parks Victoria to duties in the Authority, subject to the approval in writing of—

(a) the Authority; and

(b) the Minister; and

(c) the Minister responsible for administering the Parks Victoria Act 2018.

(2) A transfer under subsection (1)—

(a) must be on terms and conditions of employment that are no less favourable overall; and

(b) may be permanent or for a fixed term; and

(c) does not constitute a resignation or termination of employment.

(3) The service of a transferred employee with the Authority is taken to be continuous with the service of the employee as an employee of Parks Victoria immediately before the transfer.

(4) A transferred employee has an entitlement to benefits in connection with their employment by the Authority that is the same as the entitlement to benefits the employee accrued in connection with their employment by Parks Victoria.

(5) Nothing in this section prevents—

(a) any of the terms and conditions of employment of a transferred employee from being altered by or under any law, award or agreement with effect on or after the day on which their employment is transferred; or

(b) a transferred employee from resigning or being dismissed on or after the day on which their employment is transferred in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment with the Authority.

(6) In this section—

transferred employee means an employee transferred under subsection (1) from Parks Victoria to duties in the Authority.

Pt 5A (Headings and ss 62F–62P) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

Part 5A—Land management obligations and planning responsibilities

Division 1—Statements of obligations

S. 62F inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62F Statement of obligations

(1) The Minister may make a statement of obligations that sets out the obligations that the Authority has in performing its functions and exercising its powers in relation to—

(a) land controlled and managed by the Authority; and

(b) land managed by a committee of management appointed under section 14 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or section 50(3) of the Forests Act 1958 constituted by the Authority; and

(c) land that is the subject of an agreement under section 69 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 that is managed by the Authority on behalf of the Secretary.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a statement of obligations may include provisions in respect of the following—

(a) governance;

(b) guiding principles;

(c) performance standards and outcomes;

(d) matters to be addressed in the land management strategy;

(e) management priorities for any land which the Authority manages;

(f) the implementation of government policies and strategies;

(g) innovation and knowledge sharing;

(h) compliance and enforcement;

(i) collaboration or consultation with other government bodies, traditional owners, non‑government bodies and the community.

Section 41A of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 provides that the power to make an instrument includes the power to repeal, revoke, rescind, amend, alter or vary the instrument in the exercise of that power.

S. 62G inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62G Process for making a statement of obligations

(1) Before making or amending a statement of obligations, the Minister must—

(a) give the Authority notice of the proposal to make or amend the statement of obligations setting out the substance of the proposed statement or amendment; and

(b) give the Authority at least 28 days in which to make written submissions to the Minister on the proposal; and

(c) have regard to any submissions made by the Authority under paragraph (b).

(3) If the Authority advises the Minister that a submission made under subsection (1)(b) will be the only submission made in respect of the proposal, the Minister may make or amend the statement of obligations before the expiry of the 28 day period or any longer period under that subsection.

S. 62H inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62H Issuing a statement of obligations

(1) As soon as possible after making or amending a statement of obligations, the Minister must issue the statement as made or amended the Authority.

(2) As soon as possible after revoking a statement of obligations, the Minister must issue the notice of revocation of the statement of obligations to the Authority.

S. 62I inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62I Publication of statement of obligations

Within 14 days after a statement of obligations or a notice of revocation of a statement of obligations is issued to the Authority—

(a) the Minister must publish the relevant document in the Government Gazette; and

(b) the Authority must publish the relevant document on the Internet site of the Authority.

S. 62J inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62J Taking effect of statement of obligations

A statement of obligations or the revocation of a statement of obligations takes effect when it is published in the Government Gazette.

S. 62K inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62K Compliance with statement of obligations

(1) The Authority must comply with a statement of obligations.

(2) The Authority must include a statement in its annual report under section 45 of the Financial Management Act 1994 setting out how it has met its obligations under any statement of obligations.

Division 2—Land management plans

S. 62L inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62L Land management plans

(1) The Authority may make a plan setting out the way in which the Authority will manage any area of—

(a) land managed by the Authority; or

(b) land managed by a committee of management appointed under section 14 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or section 50(3) of the Forests Act 1958 constituted by the Authority; or

(c) land that is the subject of an agreement under section 69 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 that is managed by the Authority on behalf of the Secretary.

(2) A land management plan must be consistent with—

(a) legislation under which the land is managed and any other legislation applying to the land; and

(b) policies of the State applying to the land.

(3) For any appointed land of a Traditional Owner Land Management Board that constitutes the whole or a part of land for which a land management plan has been made, the land management plan does not have effect to the extent that a joint management plan is in effect for that land.

(4) This section does not derogate from any requirement in any other Act for the manager of land under that Act to prepare a land management plan (however described) for that land.

Section 41A of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 provides that the power to make an instrument includes the power to repeal, revoke, rescind, amend, alter or vary the instrument in the exercise of that power.

S. 62M inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62M Process for making a land management plan

(1) Before the Authority makes a land management plan, or an amendment of a land management plan, the Authority must—

(i) any Minister or public authority whose interests may be affected by the plan; and

(ii) any relevant specified Aboriginal party; and

(b) make a draft of the plan available for inspection by the public for at least 28 days before making the plan; and

(c) publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the State and in a newspaper circulating generally in the area in which the land is situated, setting out where and when the draft can be inspected and inviting public comment by the date specified in the notice; and

(d) publish the draft on the Internet site of the Authority; and

(e) have regard to any submissions made to the Authority on the proposal by the date specified in the notice.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any amendment of a land management plan that is of a machinery, declaratory or minor technical nature.

S. 62N inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62N Publication and notice of land management plan

As soon as possible after the Authority makes a land management plan, the Authority must publish—

(a) the plan on the Internet site of the Authority; and

(b) notice of the making of the plan in the Government Gazette.

S. 62O inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62O Taking effect of land management plan

A land management plan takes effect when notice of its making is published in the Government Gazette.

S. 62P inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62P Review of land management plans

(1) The Authority must review each land management plan for an area of land on or before the 15th anniversary of that plan taking effect.

(2) A review under subsection (1) must commence no later than the end of the 15 year period.

(3) In conducting a review under subsection (1), the Authority must—

(i) any Minister or public authority whose interests may be affected by the land management plan; and

(ii) any specified Aboriginal party for any area affected by the plan; and

(iii) the public; and

(b) consider the results of any consultation under paragraph (a).

(4) On completing a review of the land management plan, the Authority may—

(a) revoke the plan and make a new land management plan for the area; or

(b) amend the plan; or

(c) only make amendments of a machinery, declaratory or minor technical nature to the plan.

Pt 5A Div. 3 (Heading and ss 62PA–62PH) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

Division 3—Land management strategy

S. 62PA inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PA Preparation of land management strategy

(1) The Authority must prepare a strategy that sets out the general long-term directions, strategies and priorities for the protection, management and use of public land in relation to which the Authority is the land manager (however described) under this or any other Act.

(2) A strategy prepared under subsection (1) must—

(a) be consistent with—

(i) the legislation under which the land is managed and any other legislation applying to the land; and

(ii) any government policies applying to the land; and

(b) address any matters specified by the Minister—

(i) in a direction given under section 53; or

(ii) in a statement of obligations.

(3) The Minister must specify a date on or before which the Authority must prepare the first strategy under this section.

S. 62PB inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PB Preparation of amendment of the strategy

The Authority may prepare an amendment of the land management strategy at any time, including by making amendments arising from any review of the strategy under section 62PG.

S. 62PC inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PC Process for preparing the strategy or an amendment

(1) Before a strategy is prepared under section 62PA or an amendment is prepared under section 62PB, the Authority must—

(i) any Department or public authority whose interests may be affected by the strategy or amendment; and

(ii) any specified aboriginal party for any area affected by the strategy or amendment; and

(b) make a draft of the strategy or amendment available for inspection by the public for at least 28 days before it is prepared; and

(c) publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the State setting out where and when the draft can be inspected and inviting public comment by the date specified in the notice; and

(d) publish the draft on the Internet site of the Authority; and

(e) have regard to any submissions made to the Authority on the draft strategy or amendment by the date specified in the notice.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any amendment of the land management strategy that is of a machinery, declaratory or minor and technical nature.

S. 62PD inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PD Approving the strategy or an amendment

(1) After a strategy is prepared under section 62PA or an amendment of the land management strategy is prepared under section 62PB, the Authority must submit the strategy or amendment to the Minister.

(2) After receiving a strategy or amendment under subsection (1), the Minister may—

(a) approve the strategy or amendment; or

(b) direct the Authority to alter the strategy or amendment and resubmit the strategy or amendment to the Minister.

(3) The Authority must comply with a direction of the Minister under subsection (2) within 60 days of receiving the direction, or any longer period specified by the Minister.

S. 62PE inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PE Publication and notice of the strategy or amendment

(1) As soon as possible after the Minister approves the strategy under section 62PD, the Authority must publish—

(a) the strategy on the Internet site of the Authority; and

(b) notice of the Minister's approval in the Government Gazette.

(2) As soon as possible after the Minister approves an amendment of the land management strategy under section 62PD, the Authority must publish—

(a) the land management strategy as so amended on the Internet site of the Authority; and

(b) notice of the Minister's approval in the Government Gazette.

S. 62PF inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PF Taking effect of the strategy or amendment

(1) A land management strategy that has been approved under section 62PD has effect on the day on which notice of the approval is published in the Government Gazette.

(2) An amendment of a land management strategy that has been approved under section 62PD has effect on the day on which notice of the approval of the amendment is published in the Government Gazette.

S. 62PG inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PG Review of the strategy

(1) The Authority must review the land management strategy—

(a) at least every 10 years after the first strategy has effect; and

(b) as soon as possible after the making of the statement of obligations or any amendment of the statement of obligations; and

(c) at any other time if so directed by the Minister.

(2) A review under subsection (1)(a) must be commenced on or before the day on which the previous 10 year period ends.

(3) In conducting a review of the strategy, the Authority must—

(i) any Department or public authority whose interests may be affected by the strategy; and

(ii) any specified aboriginal party for any area affected by the strategy; and

(iii) the public; and

(b) consider the results of any consultation under paragraph (a).

(4) After conducting a review of the strategy, the Authority may propose to the Minister—

(a) that the Authority should—

(i) prepare an amendment to the strategy; or

(ii) revoke the strategy and prepare a new strategy; or

(b) that no amendment is required to the strategy.

(5) After receiving a proposal from the Authority under subsection (4), the Minister may—

(a) approve the proposal; or

(b) refuse to approve the proposal.

(6) If the Minister refuses to approve the proposal under subsection (5)(b), the Minister may—

(a) direct the Authority to prepare an amendment to the strategy or revoke the strategy and prepare a new strategy; or

(b) determine that no amendment is required to the strategy.

(7) A reference to an amendment under subsection (4)(b) or (6)(b) does not include an amendment of a minor and technical nature.

(8) If the Minister requires the Authority to prepare a land management strategy or an amendment to the land management strategy under subsection (6), the provisions of this Division apply to the preparation of the strategy or amendment.

S. 62PH inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 40.

62PH Revoking the strategy

The Authority may revoke the land management strategy if—

(a) the Authority has proposed that the strategy be revoked under section 62PG(4)(a)(ii) and the Minister has approved the proposal under section 62PG(5)(a); or

(b) the Minister has directed that the strategy be revoked under section 62PG(6)(a).

Pt 5B (Heading and ss 62Q–62T) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

Part 5B—Land management

S. 62Q inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62Q Appointment of Authority as land manager

(1) Subject to subsection (4), on the recommendation of the Minister and the Minister administering a relevant land management Act, the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may appoint the Authority as the body that controls and manages any Crown land within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks described in the Order.

(2) On 1 November 2025, the Authority becomes the body that controls and manages any Crown land referred to in Schedule 1 for which the Authority has not been appointed as the body that controls and manages that land, before that date, by—

(a) an order under subsection (1); or

(b) an order under section 16C(1) of the National Parks Act 1975.

(3) If the Authority becomes the body that controls and manages Crown land under subsection (2), on and from 1 November 2025—

(a) the Authority is taken to control and manage that land; and

(b) if an entity other than the Authority was the committee of management for that land immediately before 1 November 2025—

(i) that entity is taken to no longer be the committee of management for that land; and

(ii) the Authority is taken to be appointed as the committee of management for that land.

The Authority may have been appointed committee of management under section 14 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, or be taken to be the committee of management for land under section 68, for land referred to in Schedule 1.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may amend a description of Crown land in Schedule 1.

(5) The Minister must not recommend to the Governor in Council that an Order made under subsection (1) or a description of Crown land in Schedule 1 be amended unless—

(a) the Minister has given the Authority written notice of the proposed amendment; and

(b) the Minister considered any written submissions about the proposed amendment made by the Authority—

(i) within 60 days after notice was given under paragraph (a); or

(ii) any longer period agreed to by the Authority and the Minister; or

(ii) any lesser period agreed to by the Authority; and

(c) the Minister administering the relevant land management Act consents to the proposed amendment.

(6) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may amend a description of Crown land in an Order made under subsection (1), or in Schedule 1, if a description of a reserve in the Fifth Schedule to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 included in the Order is amended by an Act of Parliament.

Section 41A of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 provides that the power to make an instrument includes the power to repeal, revoke, rescind, amend, alter or vary the instrument in the exercise of that power.

(7) In this section—

relevant land management Act means any of the following—

(a) the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978;

(b) the Forests Act 1958;

(c) the Land Act 1958;

(d) the Wildlife Act 1975.

S. 62R inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17, amended by No. 25/2025 s. 106(Sch. 1 item 19.2).

62R Authority may enter road management agreements

The Authority may enter into an agreement or arrangement with the Secretary to the Department of Transport and Planning for—

(a) the delivery of works on land managed by the Head, Transport for Victoria (within the meaning of section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010) or the Authority, including visitor facilities and infrastructure that are not part of the Great Ocean Road; and

(b) ongoing control and management of assets that are not part of the Great Ocean Road.

S. 62S inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62S Discontinuation or permanent closure of roads

(1) Subject to subsection (3), on the recommendation of the Minister, the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may discontinue or permanently close an unused government road that is in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

(2) An Order under subsection (1) must—

(a) describe the road by reference to a numbered map lodged in the Central Plan Office; and

(b) be published in the Government Gazette.

(3) The Minister must not make a recommendation to the Governor in Council unless the Minister is satisfied that the government road—

(a) has never been in use; or

(b) is no longer required as a road.

(4) On the making of an Order under subsection (1)—

(a) the unused government road referred to in the Order ceases to be a road or part of a road or road reserve; and

(b) all rights, easements and privileges existing or claimed by either the public or any body or person, as incidental to the express or implied grant, or past dedication, or supposed dedication, or any past user or operation of law or otherwise, in relation to the land on which the road referred to in the Order is on, cease.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (1), unused government road includes—

(a) a road within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Land Act 1958; and

(b) an unused road within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Land Act 1958.

S. 62T inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62T Publication of land controlled, managed or owned by Authority

The Authority must publish a brief description of all land it controls, manages or owns on its Internet site.

Pt 5C (Heading and ss 62U–62X) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

Part 5C—Crown land reservations

S. 62U inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62U Minister may recommend Reservation Order be made

(1) On receiving a plan of the relevant land signed by the Surveyor-General, the Minister administering the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 may recommend that the Governor in Council make a Reservation Order if that Minister—

(a) has consulted the Minister; and

(b) considers that the purpose for which the land is to be reserved by the Reservation Order will not provide less environmental protection for the land than the existing reservation; and

(c) has had regard to—

(i) the objects and functions of the Authority; and

(ii) if a Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan has been prepared, any parts of that plan that apply to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister administering the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 may include as part of the recommendation a requirement that the relevant land be temporarily reserved land for a public purpose by the Reservation Order if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the original reservation proposed to be revoked is inconsistent with the historic use of the land.

S. 62V inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62V Reservation Order

(1) Subject to subsection (2), on the recommendation of the Minister administering the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 under section 62U, the Governor in Council, by Reservation Order published in the Government Gazette—

(a) may revoke—

(i) any Order in Council permanently reserving Crown land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks specified in that Reservation Order; or

(ii) any permanent reservation of Crown land in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks reserved under any Act; and

(b) in relation to the land described in the Reservation Order—

(i) must permanently reserve that land for a different public purpose; or

(ii) if a recommendation under section 62U(2) is made, must temporarily reserve that land for a different public purpose.

(2) A revocation of a reservation by a Reservation Order may be in respect of the whole of the permanent reservation of the land or to the extent specified in the Reservation Order.

(3) A Reservation Order may describe the land it reserves by reference to a plan of land signed by the Surveyor-General and lodged in the Central Plan Office.

(4) A Reservation Order must not be made in relation to land that has already been reserved for any of the following public purposes, however described—

(a) the protection of the beds or channels and the banks of waterways;

(b) the preservation of areas of ecological significance;

(c) the conservation of areas of natural interest or beauty or of scientific, historic or archaeological interest;

(d) carbon sequestration in vegetation and soil;

(e) the preservation of species of native plants;

(f) the propagation or management of wildlife or the preservation of wildlife habitat;

(g) the supply of sand, gravel, stone and other materials for the construction of public roads, buildings and other works;

(h) public parks, gardens and ornamental plantations;

(i) the protection of the coastline;

(j) zoological parks;

(k) a prescribed purpose.

(5) A Reservation Order must not be made in relation to—

(a) the reservation for public purposes of land on the foreshore of Bass Strait and Southern Ocean by Order in Council dated 11 August 1879, published in the Government Gazette dated 15 August 1879, page 2045; or

(b) the reservation for public purposes by Order in Council dated 23 May 1881, published in the Government Gazette dated 27 May 1881, page 1389.

S. 62W inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62W Consequences of Reservation Order

(1) On the revocation of a permanent reservation of land by a Reservation Order—

(a) subject to paragraph (e), the land described in the Reservation Order is taken to be unalienated land of the Crown, freed and discharged from all trusts, limitations, reservations, restrictions, encumbrances, estates and interests; and

(b) the appointment of any committee of management of that land, other than the Authority, is revoked to the extent that it relates to that land; and

(c) the appointment of any trustee of that land is revoked to the extent that it relates to that land; and

(d) any regulations made under section 13 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 are revoked to the extent that they apply to that land; and

(e) for the purposes of section 4(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the land reserved by the Reservation Order is taken to be temporarily reserved or permanently reserved as specified in the Reservation Order for the purpose specified in the Reservation Order.

(2) A Reservation Order—

(a) has effect despite anything to the contrary in the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (in particular section 9, 10 or 11 of that Act) or the Land Act 1958; and

(b) is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.

S. 62X inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 17.

62X Registrar of Titles to make amendments necessary for this Act

The Registrar of Titles must make any recordings in or amendments to the Register kept under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 that are necessary because of the operation of any provision of this Part.

Part 6—Reporting on the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

Pt 6 Div. 1 (Heading) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 41.

Division 1—Implementation reporting

S. 63 substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 42.

63 Responsible entities to report on implementation of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

(1) A responsible entity must prepare a report about the implementation of the approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan.

(2) A report under subsection (1) must address the responsible entity's implementation of the plan—

(a) during—

(i) the year beginning on the date on which the plan comes into operation; and

(ii) each subsequent year beginning on the anniversary of the date on which the plan came into operation; or

(b) if the Minister has specified another period under subsection (4), during that period.

(3) A responsible entity must provide a report to the Department Head—

(a) within 3 months after the end of each year or other period referred to in subsection (2); or

(b) if the Minister has specified a date under subsection (4), by that date.

(4) The Minister, by instrument, may specify either or both of the following—

(a) a period of 5 years or less that a report must cover for the purposes of subsection (2)(b);

(b) a date by which a report must be provided under subsection (3)(b).

(5) If the Minister specifies a period or date under subsection (4), the specification must apply to all responsible entities.

(6) If the Minister specifies a period or date under subsection (4), the Minister must—

(a) notify, in writing, each responsible entity of the period or date (as the case requires); and

(b) publish notice of that period or date (as the case requires) in the Government Gazette.

S. 64 (Heading) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 43(1).

64 Department Head to report on responsible entities' implementation of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan

S. 64(1) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 43(2).

(1) The Department Head must prepare a report on the implementation of the approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan by responsible entities.

S. 64(2) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 43(2).

(2) A report under subsection (1) must address the responsible entity's implementation of the plan—

(a) during—

(i) the year beginning on the date on which the plan comes into operation; and

(ii) each subsequent year beginning on the anniversary of the date on which the plan came into operation; or

(b) if the Minister has specified another period under section 63(4), during that period.

S. 64(2A) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 43(2).

(2A) The Department Head must provide the report to the Minister within 6 months after the date on which the responsible entities are required to provide their reports under section 63(3).

S. 64(3) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 43(3).

(3) The Minister must cause a copy of a report under this section to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after receiving the report.

Pt 6 Div. 2 (Heading) inserted by No. 47/2025 s. 44.

Division 2—5-yearly implementation reports

S. 65 (Heading) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 45(1).

65 Department Head to prepare additional 5-yearly report on responsible entities

S. 65(1) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 45(2).

(1) The Department Head, at the end of each
5-year period after the initial Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan comes into operation, must prepare a report on the implementation of the Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan by each responsible entity during the previous 5-year period.

S. 65(2) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 45(3).

(2) The report must be based on an assessment of all the environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes.

S. 65(3) substituted by No. 47/2025 s. 45(4).

(3) The Department Head must provide the report to the Minister within 6 months after the date on which the 5-year period ends.

S. 65(4) amended by No. 47/2025 s. 45(5).

(4) The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after receiving the report.

Part 7—General

66 Regulations

S. 66(1) substituted by No. 42/2021 s. 18.

(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to—

(a) any matter or thing authorised or required to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed for carrying this Act into effect; and

(b) prescribing fees for parking vehicles in the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, other than parking on land managed under the National Parks Act 1975; and

(c) prescribing tolls, fees and charges for entry of persons, vehicles and animals to land controlled and managed by the Authority under this Act or any other Act, other than—

(i) land managed under the National Parks Act 1975; and

(ii) land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; and

(d) prescribing penalties not exceeding 20 penalty units for a contravention of the regulations.

S. 66(1A) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 18A.

(1A) Before regulations are made for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) or (1)(c), the Minister must consider any advice of the Authority in respect of any financial impacts or burdens on local communities of the tolls, fees and charges.

(2) The regulations—

(a) may be of general or limited application; and

(b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstance; and

(c) may confer a discretionary authority or impose a duty on a specified person or a specified class of person; and

(d) may require a matter affected by the regulations to be approved by or to the satisfaction of a specified person or a specified class of person; and

(e) may provide in a specified case or class of cases for the exemption of persons or things or a class of persons or things from any of the provisions of the regulations whether unconditionally or on specified conditions and either wholly or to such an extent as is specified.

Part 8—Savings and transitional provisions

67 Definitions

In this Part—

commencement day means the day on which Part 5 of the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 comes into operation;

initial Great Ocean Road land means an area of land declared under section 68;

old body means the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc. or the Otway Coastal Committee Inc.;

transferred employee means an employee of an old body who is taken to be an employee of the Authority by section 69(1).

68 Authority is committee of management

(1) On the commencement day, the Authority is taken to be the committee of management appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 in respect of land referred to in subsection (2).

(2) The Minister may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare an area of land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to be initial Great Ocean Road land.

(3) The Minister may only make a declaration under subsection (2) if the Minister is satisfied that an old body is the committee of management appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 in respect of the land immediately before the making of the declaration.

(4) A declaration under this section must identify the land to which it applies by reference to a numbered plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.

(5) On the appointment of the Authority as committee of management of initial Great Ocean Road land the old bodies cease to be the committees of management in respect of that land.

69 Transfer of staff to the Authority

(1) On the commencement day, a person who was employed by an old body immediately before the commencement day is taken to be employed by the Authority.

(2) A transferred employee is taken to—

(a) be employed on the same terms and conditions as the transferred employee had under the transferred employee's employment with the old body immediately before the commencement day; and

(b) have accrued an entitlement to benefits in connection with the employment with the Authority that is equivalent to the entitlement that the transferred employee had accrued, as an employee of the old body, immediately before the commencement day.

(3) The service of a transferred employee with the Authority is taken to be continuous with that service of the transferred employee as an employee of the old body that ceased immediately before the commencement day.

(4) A transferred employee is not entitled to receive any payment or other benefit merely because the transferred employee ceased to be an employee of the old body because of the operation of this Part.

(5) The chief executive officer of the Authority may give a certificate certifying that, by the operation of this section, the person named in the certificate was taken to be employed with the Authority with effect on and from the commencement day.

(6) A certificate purporting to be signed by the chief executive officer to the effect set out in subsection (5) is admissible in evidence in any proceeding and is proof of the matters stated in it.

(7) The superannuation entitlements of any person who is a transferred employee are taken not to be affected by that person becoming a transferred employee.

(8) If a transferred employee was, immediately before the commencement day, an officer within the meaning of the State Superannuation Act 1988, the transferred employee continues to be such an officer.

(9) Nothing in this section prevents—

(a) any of the terms and conditions of employment of a transferred employee from being altered by or under any law, award or agreement with effect on or after the commencement day; or

(b) a transferred employee from resigning or being dismissed on or after the commencement day in accordance with the existing terms and conditions of the transferred employee's employment with the Authority.

70 Transfer of assets and liabilities to the Authority

On the commencement day—

(a) all assets held by an old body immediately before the commencement day vest in the Authority; and

(b) all liabilities of an old body immediately before the commencement day become liabilities of the Authority.

S. 70A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 19.

70A Transfer of asset management from committees of management

On and after the commencement day, the Authority may enter into an agreement with an entity in relation to the control and management of any assets on land within the municipal district for which that entity was the committee of management appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

71 Transfer of leases, licences and permits to the Authority

(1) Any lease granted by an old body and in force immediately before the commencement day is taken to be a lease granted by the Authority as a committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

S. 71(1A) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 20(1).

(1A) Any lease granted by a former land manager and in force immediately before the Authority is appointed land manager for the land the subject of the lease under section 62Q or under any other Act is, on that appointment, taken to be a lease granted by the Authority.

S. 71(2) amended by No. 42/2021 s. 20(2).

(2) Any licence or permit granted by an old body and in force immediately before the commencement day is taken to be a licence or permit granted by the Authority as a committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

S. 71(2A) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 20(3).

(2A) Any licence, permit, consent or authorisation granted by a former land manager and in force immediately before the Authority is appointed land manager for the land the subject of the licence, permit, consent or authorisation under section 62Q or under any other Act is, on that appointment, taken to be a licence, permit, consent or authorisation granted by the Authority.

(3) Nothing effected by this section—

(a) is to be regarded as placing any person in a breach of or as constituting a default under any provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment of a lease, licence or permit referred to in this section; or

(b) is to be regarded as fulfilling any condition which allows a person to exercise a right or remedy in respect of, or to terminate, any agreement or obligation; or

(c) releases any surety or other obligor wholly or in part from any obligation.

S. 71(4) inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 20(4).

(4) In this section—

former land manager means an entity who, immediately before the Authority is appointed land manager for land under section 62Q or under any other Act, had control or management of that land under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Forests Act 1958, the Land Act 1958, the National Parks Act 1975 or the Wildlife Act 1975.

S. 71A inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 21.

71A Transfer of property etc. from old body to Authority

On the commencement of this section—

(a) each old body is abolished; and

(b) the Authority is the successor in law of each old body; and

(c) all rights, property and liabilities of each old body immediately before their abolition become rights, property and liabilities of the Authority; and

(d) the Authority is substituted as a party in any proceeding, agreement or arrangement commenced or made by or against, or in relation to, each old body immediately before their abolition; and

(e) the Authority may continue and complete any other continuing matter or thing commenced, or against, or in relation to, each old body immediately before their abolition.

Pts 9–11 (Headings and
ss 72–118) repealed by No. 19/2020 s. 118.

Sch. 1 inserted by No. 42/2021 s. 22, amended by No. 47/2025 s. 46.

Schedule 1—Land management to be transferred to Authority by

Section 62Q(2)

Item 1—National Parks Act 1975 land

| | Description of land | | Port Campbell National Park | The land in the park described in Part 21 of Schedule Two to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Great Otway National Park (part) | The land in that part of the park described in Part 31 of Schedule Two to the National Parks Act 1975 which is within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, excluding that part of the park that is situated—<br>(a) in the Parish of Jan Juc and inland of a line 50 metres inland of the centreline of the Great Ocean Road; and<br>(b) in the Parish of Angahook and inland of a line 50 metres inland of the centreline of the Great Ocean Road and north‑east, north or west of the land shown on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered N.P. 111E/5 as CA 2A; Lot 1 TP579829; the roads adjoining the aforementioned lot; Lot 10 LP77300; Lot 1 LP117892; Lot 18 LP93447; Lots 1 and 2 LP62756; and Lot 1 TP126807. | | Bay of Islands Coastal Park | The land in the park described in Part 1A of Schedule Three to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Point Addis Marine National Park | The land in the park described in Part 8 of Schedule Seven to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Twelve Apostles Marine National Park | The land in the park described in Part 11 of Schedule Seven to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary | The land in the park described in Part 3 of Schedule Eight to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary | The land in the park described in Part 5 of Schedule Eight to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Merri Marine Sanctuary | The land in the park described in Part 6 of Schedule Eight to the National Parks Act 1975. | | Point Danger Marine Sanctuary | The land in the park described in Part 9 of Schedule Eight to the National Parks Act 1975. | | The Arches Marine Sanctuary | The land in the park described in Part 11 of Schedule Eight to the National Parks Act 1975. |

In item 1 of this Schedule—

park has the same meaning as it has in section 3(1) of the National Parks Act 1975.

Sch. 1 item 2 amended by SG (No. 589) 28.10.25 pp 1−5.

Item 2—Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 land

All land temporarily or permanently reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks excluding land within the municipal district of Warrnambool City Council and excluding arterial roads, non-arterial State roads, the land described in the table, and land reserved for the following public purposes—

(a) drainage and sewerage work; and

(b) pre-school centres, State schools and other institutions of public instruction and areas and facilities for the study of the natural environment; and

(c) the supply of sand gravel stone and other materials for the construction of public roads, buildings and other works; and

(d) health and social welfare; and

(e) hospitals and institutions or services for any other purposes administered by the Minister administering the Health Services Act 1988; and

(f) cemeteries; and

(g) public halls; and

(h) aerodromes; and

(i) mechanics institutes; and

(j) police purposes; and

(k) rail trails; and

(l) roads.

Table

| Item | Crown Land Description | | 1 | Crown Allotment 2099, Parish of Aire | | 2 | Crown Allotment 2106, Parish of Aire | | 3 | Crown Allotment 10A, Parish of Angahook | | 4 | Crown Allotment 2047, Parish of Angahook | | 5 | Crown Allotment 2068, Parish of Angahook | | 6 | Crown Allotment 15C, Parish of Angahook | | 7 | Crown Allotment 2 of A, Parish of Angahook | | 8 | Crown Allotment 2004, Parish of Angahook | | 9 | Crown Allotment 2006, Parish of Angahook | | 10 | Crown Allotment 2010, Parish of Angahook | | 11 | Crown Allotment 2041, Parish of Angahook | | 12 | Crown Allotment 2038, Parish of Angahook | | 13 | Crown Allotment 2044, Parish of Angahook | | 14 | Crown Allotment 2040, Parish of Angahook | | 15 | Crown Allotment 2063, Parish of Angahook | | 16 | Crown Allotment 2062, Parish of Angahook | | 17 | Crown Allotment 2073, Parish of Angahook | | 18 | Crown Allotment 2066, Parish of Angahook | | 19 | Crown Allotment 2067, Parish of Angahook | | 20 | Crown Allotment 2018, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Angahook | | 21 | Crown Allotment 2017, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Angahook | | 22 | Crown Allotment 2074, Parish of Angahook | | 23 | Crown Allotment 2019, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Angahook | | 24 | Crown Allotment 2014, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Angahook | | 25 | Crown Allotment 2015, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Angahook | | 26 | Crown Allotment 2075, Parish of Angahook | | 27 | Crown Allotment 2070, Parish of Angahook | | 28 | Crown Allotment 2001, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 29 | Crown Allotment 2091, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 30 | Crown Allotment 2092, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 31 | Crown Allotment 6F, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 32 | Crown Allotment 2045, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 33 | Crown Allotment 2060, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 34 | Crown Allotment 24, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 35 | Crown Allotment 19F, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 36 | Crown Allotment 4C, Parish of Barwongemoong | | 37 | Crown Allotment 2019, Parish of Boonah | | 38 | Crown Allotment 2040, Parish of Boonah | | 39 | Crown Allotment 2035, Parish of Jan Juc | | 40 | Crown Allotment 33 of 2, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Jan Juc | | 41 | Crown Allotment 29A of 2, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Jan Juc | | 42 | Crown Allotment 54, Parish of Jan Juc | | 43 | Crown Allotment 4 of 6, Township of Bellbrae, Parish of Jan Juc | | 44 | Crown Allotment 34 of 2, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Jan Juc | | 45 | Crown Allotment 2001, Township of Bellbrae, Parish of Jan Juc | | 46 | Crown Allotment 2 of 4, Township of Anglesea, Parish of Jan Juc | | 47 | Crown Allotment 2005, Parish of Jan Juc | | 48 | Crown Allotment 2062, Parish of Jan Juc | | 49 | Crown Allotment 2061, Parish of Jan Juc | | 50 | Crown Allotment 2139, Parish of Kaanglang | | 51 | Crown Allotment 2143, Parish of Kaanglang | | 52 | Crown Allotment 2059, Parish of Krambruk | | 53 | Crown Allotment 2035, Parish of Krambruk | | 54 | Crown Allotment 2008, Township of Apollo Bay, Parish of Krambruk | | 55 | Crown Allotment 2053, Parish of Krambruk | | 56 | Crown Allotment 1 of 3C, Township of Marengo, Parish of Krambruk | | 57 | Crown Allotment 8F of 2A, Parish of Krambruk | | 58 | Crown Allotment 11C of 3, Parish of Krambruk | | 59 | Crown Allotment 2056, Parish of Krambruk | | 60 | Crown Allotment 2007, Township of Apollo Bay, Parish of Krambruk | | 61 | Crown Allotment 18F of 3, Parish of Krambruk | | 62 | Crown Allotment 18E of 3, Parish of Krambruk | | 63 | Crown Allotment 18D of 3, Parish of Krambruk | | 64 | Crown Allotment 7A of 3, Parish of Krambruk | | 65 | Crown Allotment 2036, Parish of Krambruk | | 66 | Crown Allotment 2051, Parish of Krambruk | | 67 | Crown Allotment 2088, Parish of Krambruk | | 68 | Crown Allotment 2095, Parish of Krambruk | | 69 | Crown Allotment 2005, Township of Marengo,<br>Parish of Krambruk | | 70 | Crown Allotment 2008, Township of Marengo, Parish of Krambruk | | 71 | Crown Allotment 2010, Township of Marengo, Parish of Krambruk | | 72 | Crown Allotment 2012, Township of Marengo, Parish of Krambruk | | 73 | Crown Allotment 6A, Parish of La Trobe | | 74 | Crown Allotment 2020, Parish of La Trobe | | 75 | Crown Allotment 28A, Township of Princetown, Parish of La Trobe | | 76 | Crown Allotment 28B, Township of Princetown, Parish of La Trobe | | 77 | Crown Allotment 23A of A, Parish of La Trobe | | 78 | Crown Allotment 2029, Parish of La Trobe | | 79 | Crown Allotment 10B of A, Parish of La Trobe | | 80 | Crown Allotment 69C, Township of Princetown, Parish of La Trobe | | 81 | Crown Allotment 2026, Parish of La Trobe | | 82 | Crown Allotment 2025, Parish of La Trobe | | 83 | Crown Allotment 2024, Parish of La Trobe | | 84 | Crown Allotment E, Parish of La Trobe | | 85 | Crown Allotment 2044, Parish of La Trobe | | 86 | Crown Allotment 2045, Parish of La Trobe | | 87 | Crown Allotment 16C of 5, Parish of Lorne | | 88 | Crown Allotment 65A, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 89 | Crown Allotment 24 of 5, Parish of Lorne | | 90 | Crown Allotment Q, Township of Lorne, Parish of Lorne | | 91 | Crown Allotment 2042, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 92 | Crown Allotment 2043, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 93 | Crown Allotment 5 of 3A, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 94 | Crown Allotment 64C, Township of Lorne, Parish of Lorne | | 95 | Crown Allotment 5A of 3A, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 96 | Crown Allotment 2095, Parish of Lorne | | 97 | Crown Allotment 2K, Township of Lorne, Parish of Lorne | | 98 | Crown Allotment 56B, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 99 | Crown Allotment 3C, Township of Lorne, Parish of Lorne | | 100 | Crown Allotment 9 of 3A, Township of Lorne,<br>Parish of Lorne | | 101 | Crown Allotment 2G, Township of Lorne, Parish of Lorne | | 102 | Crown Allotment 2112, Parish of Lorne | | 103 | Crown Allotment 2118, Parish of Lorne | | 104 | Crown Allotment 2120, Parish of Lorne | | 105 | Crown Allotment 2121, Parish of Lorne | | 106 | Crown Allotment 2023, Township of Peterborough,<br>Parish of Narrawaturk | | 107 | Crown Allotment 11A of 2, Township of Peterborough, Parish of Narrawaturk | | 108 | Crown Allotment 2003, Township of Peterborough,<br>Parish of Narrawaturk | | 109 | Crown Allotment 2006, Township of Peterborough,<br>Parish of Narrawaturk | | 110 | Crown Allotment 2034, Parish of Narrawaturk | | 111 | Crown Allotment 44D, Parish of Nirranda | | 112 | Crown Allotment 2027, Parish of Otway | | 113 | Crown Allotment 5A of 8, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 114 | Crown Allotment 5B of 8, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 115 | Crown Allotment 12 of 8, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 116 | Crown Allotment 11 of 8, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 117 | Crown Allotment 20A of 5, Parish of Paaratte | | 118 | Crown Allotment 21 of 6, Parish of Paaratte | | 119 | Crown Allotment 18J of 5, Parish of Paaratte | | 120 | Crown Allotment 6A of 10, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 121 | Crown Allotment 13 of 11, Parish of Paaratte | | 122 | Crown Allotment 2029, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 123 | Crown Allotment 2035, Township of Port Campbell, Parish of Paaratte | | 124 | Crown Allotment 2 of 7, Township of Torquay,<br>Parish of Puebla | | 125 | Crown Allotment 1 of 7, Township of Torquay,<br>Parish of Puebla | | 126 | Crown Allotment 2002, Township of Bellbrae,<br>Parish of Puebla | | 127 | Crown Allotment 2040, Parish of Puebla | | 128 | Crown Allotment 2042, Parish of Puebla | | 129 | Crown Allotment 3A of A, Parish of Waarre | | 130 | Crown Allotment 2031, Parish of Wangerrip | | 131 | Crown Allotment 2034, Parish of Wangerrip | | 132 | Crown Allotment 2032, Parish of Wangerrip | | 133 | Crown Allotment 2029, Parish of Wangerrip | | 134 | Crown Allotment 120B, Parish of Wangerrip | | 135 | Crown Allotment 50, Parish of Wangerrip | | 136 | Crown Allotment 51, Parish of Wangerrip | | 137 | Crown Allotment 2116, Parish of Wangoom | | 138 | Crown Allotment 2118, Parish of Wangoom |

Item 3—Land Act 1958 land

The unreserved Crown land (including any overlying waters) from the low water mark to the outer limit of the coastal waters of Victoria within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Item 4—Wildlife Act 1975 land

Land within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks that is a State Wildlife Reserve under the Wildlife Act 1975.

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Endnotes

1 General information

See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.

Minister's second reading speech—

Legislative Assembly: 27 November 2019

Legislative Council: 20 February 2020

The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to recognise the importance of the landscapes and seascapes along the Great Ocean Road to the economic prosperity and liveability of Victoria and as one living and integrated natural entity for the purposes of protecting the region, to establish a Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to which various land management responsibilities are to be transferred and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts and for other purposes."

The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 was assented to on 23 June 2020 and came into operation on 1 December 2020: section 2(2).

INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)

Style changes

Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.

References to ILA s. 39B

Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original section or clause.

Interpretation

As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:

• Headings

All headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).

• Examples, diagrams or notes

All examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).

• Punctuation

All punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).

• Provision numbers

All provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).

• Location of "legislative items"

A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.

• Other material

Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.
See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).

2 Table of Amendments

This publication incorporates amendments made to the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 by Acts and subordinate instruments.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, No. 19/2020

| Assent Date: | 23.6.20 | | Commencement Date: | S. 118 on 1.12.20: s. 2(2) | | Note: | S. 118 repealed Pts 9−11 (ss 72−118) on 1.12.21 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Amendment Act 2021, No. 42/2021 (as amended by No. 23/2022)

| Assent Date: | 19.10.21 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 4–22 on 1.9.22: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

Climate Change and Energy Legislation Amendment (Renewable Energy and Storage Targets) Act 2024, No. 9/2024

| Assent Date: | 26.3.24 | | Commencement Date: | S. 29 on 26.3.25: s. 2(3) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Act 2025, No. 25/2025

| Assent Date: | 5.8.25 | | Commencement Date: | S. 106(Sch. 1 item 19) on 6.8.25: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment (Central West and Other Matters) Act 2025, No. 47/2025

| Assent Date: | 25.11.25 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 28−46 on 26.11.25: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

Entities Legislation Amendment (Consolidation and Other Matters) Act 2026, No. 11/2026

| Assent Date: | 31.3.26 | | Commencement Date: | S. 161 on 1.4.26: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 |

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Special Gazette
(No. 589) 28 October 2025 pages 1–5

3 Explanatory details

1. The Maar text does not exactly match the English words because it is a different language culture. ↑

2. The Wadawurrung text does not exactly match the English words because it is a different language culture. ↑