Engagement snapshot
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Between 7 May and 1 June 2025, we invited the community to help shape the future of Apollo Bay Harbour. Locals and visitors alike had the opportunity to revisit and reaffirm the values that matter most, and to share their thoughts on the Draft Precinct Plan through an online survey and a series of community information sessions.
The Draft Precinct Plan considers the key issues and opportunities facing the Harbour, with a focus on delivering priority projects through the Geelong City Deal. These include a sensitive upgrade and minor extension to the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op building, the enhancement of existing public open spaces and a new extended viewing deck, upgrades to Port Operations and the Depot building, improved transport and pedestrian connections across the precinct, and better use of car parking at Mother’s Beach.
HOW YOU ENGAGED WITH US
The response from the community was strong and thoughtful. Over the engagement period, we hosted 13 community sessions and meetings, received more than 100 survey responses and written submissions, and recorded over 3,000 views on social media and 1,200 visits to the project webpage.
13
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS / MEETINGS
WHAT YOU TOLD US
YOUR VALUES & PRIORITIES
100+ SURVEYS / SUBMISSIONS
The community consistently expressed the importance of protecting Apollo Bay’s unique identity. The Harbour precinct is seen as a central part of the town, and people want to see its fishing heritage and relaxed coastal character respected in any future upgrades. There was clear support for preserving the working port feel, avoiding over-commercialisation, protecting natural areas, and including First Nations stories. The Co-Op building was viewed as an iconic but ageing part of the precinct, with support for a respectful upgrade that retains its function and charm. Many people also expressed interest in the freshwater well and its location. Climate change and coastal hazards were recognised as important considerations to address through planning.
PUBLIC AMENITIES
3,073 SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
Safe pedestrian movement between new public amenities and key locations was a recurring priority. The community generally supported simple, practical upgrades that maintain the area’s character. The northern end of Mother’s Beach car park was the preferred site for new beach changing huts, though some questioned their value without showers or toilets and preferred full amenities at that location. Many supported co-locating amenities within the Depot building, including showers, change rooms, and lockers. Suggestions for other public amenities included seating, shaded areas, interpretive signage, bike racks and bins—ideally placed at viewing spots and entry points, but kept minimal to avoid cluttering the landscape.
1,
209
PROJECT WEBPAGE VIEWS
CONNECTIVITY, PATHS, & MATERIALS
There was consistent feedback that well-defined connections within the precinct—and between the precinct, town centre, and Point Bunbury—are a key opportunity. Many preferred pathways along the coastal edge, with frequent calls for a long-requested boardwalk by the water. Pedestrian safety, particularly at the Nelson and Trafalgar intersection, was a significant concern, with a strong community desire for improvements. While sealed surfaces were preferred for safety and accessibility, many also valued the natural look of unsealed or mixedmaterial paths. Several felt current plans could better support continuous, integrated pedestrian routes.
VEHICLE ACCESS & PARKING
Vehicle access and parking drew a range of responses. Many supported increasing DDA-compliant bays and improving overall parking at Mother’s Beach, with some interest in motorcycle parking. However, concerns were raised about traffic congestion during busy periods, particularly at the Nelson and Trafalgar intersection, and the risk of vehicle-pedestrian conflict at key locations like the Mother’s Beach car park, the breakwall and Breakwater Road.
Most people supported removing vehicle access in front of the Co-Op to create a more inviting public space, although some valued the tradition of eating fish and chips from the car while enjoying the view. There was also strong support for secure storage for rescue boats used by Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue and the Sailing Club, with many suggesting the proposed meeting room could be repurposed for this. Feedback also highlighted the importance of accommodating larger vehicles such as fuel trucks, trailers, and delivery vehicles for the Co-Op and Golf Club.
Preferred path and road surface types
agree that the historic and social importance of the Apollo Bay Harbour as a commercial and recreational fishing hub must be maintained.
agree the look and feel of the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-op building, as well as its maritime character must be maintained.
Support for proposed parking measures
Motorcycle parking
Accessible parking near Fishermen’s Co-Op
Accessible parking at Mother’s Beach car park
Improved car parking at Mother’s Beach
agree that future building designs should respect the natural surroundings and be modest in scale, with building heights that do not impact viewlines and landscape values.
WHAT NEXT?
agree that the views and vistas must be maintained (when at the Harbour, and views to the Harbour).
agree that maintaining public open space is essential to preserving the character and amenity of the Apollo Bay Harbour.
agree that the precinct is an important tourist attraction locally, regionally, and nationally.
Regard to how tourists use the site must be considered in the redevelopment.
recognise the impacts of climate change and agree that responding to coastal hazards is important to the redevelopment, ensuring the harbour, its buildings, and its infrastructure are resilient for years to come.
Next steps involve detailed analysis of all feedback received, with community insights informing the final version of the Precinct Plan. A full community engagement report will be prepared and made available to the public, addressing the key themes and issues raised through the engagement process.
To stay up to date, visit: Apollo Bay Harbour Have Your Say www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour