The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is inviting local residents to attend a coastal forum.
The free event will be held at Mantra Lorne on Friday 13 March from 12–4 pm.
Guest presenters will include Jason Mifsud, Chair Eastern Maar, Dr Anthony Boxshall, Chair Victorian Marine and Coastal Council and Ali Wastie, CEO Bass Coast Shire.
They will talk about:
– the demands of increased visitation
– the impacts of climate change
– increased community expectations
– protecting and managing cultural heritage.
Chair Ken Northwood says the forum is an important step to encourage and build community responsibility and action.
He says he’s looking forward to some robust conversations.
“Our major coastal challenges including climate change, ageing infrastructure, and increased visitation and population growth,” says Mr Northwood.
“We are committed to planning for, and responding to, these challenges over the short, medium and long term.”
He says GORCC is developing and implementing a Climate Change Management Framework. It uses and develops master plans to manage use and development of the reserve.*
“Our ageing built infrastructure is now under increasing pressure as our population and visitation increases,” says Mr Northwood.
“And the impacts from climate change means significant long-term funding is required to maintain our existing built infrastructure.”
The forum will begin with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and will finish with a panel discussion.
Bookings: www.coastalforum.eventbrite.com.au
*The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is a State Government body responsible for protecting, enhancing and developing coastal Crown land from Point Impossible to Cumberland River.