Frequently asked questions Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
The Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River is a major infrastructure initiative led by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) as part of the Geelong City Deal. Its goal is to enhance tourism and visitor infrastructure while respecting and celebrating the area’s cultural and environmental values.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT KENNETT RIVER?
The Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River project will deliver on the project’s objectives delivering upgraded public infrastructure and accessibility improvements through several initiatives. The tourism improvements will include;
• A new public toilet and an upgraded wastewater treatment plant in the adjoining Kennett River Caravan Park; and
• Car park and road improvements works.
WHAT STAGE IS THE PROJECT AT?
We have developed a draft Precinct Plan and are currently seeking community feedback.
Following this, we will consider any proposed amendments before seeking approval for endorsement and public release. We will then proceed with the next steps, including obtaining permits, detailed design, and preparing for the construction phase.
WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION START?
Construction is due to start in mid 2025.
DOES THE PRECINCT PLAN ACCOMMODATE LARGE TOUR COACHES?
The draft Precinct Plan does not allow for large tour coaches to enter or stop within the precinct. GORCAPA will work with the relevant authorities to determine the most appropriate process to implement these restrictions.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
IS THERE A MECHANISM TO STOP LARGE TOUR COACHES FROM ENTERING KENNETT RIVER?
An opportunity exists to improve the management of traffic entering Kennett River by exploring mechanisms with the relevant road manager and road regulator.
The Authority will work with the relevant authorities to determine the most appropriate process to implement these restrictions.
In the meantime, GORCAPA and Council are exploring ways to strengthen enforcement and parking restrictions, including time-limited parking, to improve traffic flow, public safety, and accessibility.
WHY ARE YOU ACCOMMODATING LICENCED TOUR OPERATOR BUSES?
The draft Precinct Plan provides for all vehicle modes (excluding large tour coaches) that currently enter the precinct. A single long-vehicle parking bay is provided to accommodate long vehicles such as caravans, towing vehicles, and motorhomes eliminating the need for reversing manoeuvres and streamlining movement in and out of Kennett River. Four medium parking bays are included to accommodate medium sized vehicles such as coasters and sprinters (up to 8 metres long).
Provisions for long vehicles remain essential.
WHY HAVE YOU REVERSED THE FLOW OF THE ROUNDABOUT?
The roundabout flow has been adjusted to align with the natural movement of traffic, enhancing safety and efficiency. Incoming traffic and large vehicles will now flow seamlessly into a dedicated parking area by turning right, while caravan park guests can easily turn left upon entry.
The upgraded roundabout will function as a central hub, connecting key precinct features through improved all-abilities pedestrian pathways. A designated long vehicle parking bay will also regulate the presence of long vehicles, limiting them to one at a time, ensuring streamlined movement and a safer environment.
These updates are designed to naturally direct traffic away from Hawdon Avenue, reduce vehicle-pedestrian interactions near the proposed toilet block location, and significantly improve safety and convenience for all users.
The revised flow supports safe and efficient long vehicle exits, addressing limitations in the current layout while establishing a logical and intuitive traffic pattern for the area.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
WHY IS GREY RIVER ROAD NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRECINCT PLAN?
Grey River Road is not included in the project scope.
DOES THE PRECINCT PLAN RESPOND TO ACCESSIBILITY / EQUITABLE
ACCESS NEEDS?
Yes, the planning phase considers how to effectively ensure equitable access outcomes for all users, within all public areas included within the project. Accessibility considerations will also form part of the detailed design phase.
WHY IS THE NEW PUBLIC TOILET LOCATED IN THE ADJOINING KENNETT RIVER CARAVAN PARK?
The requirement to locate the public toilet within the caravan park was decided as part of the Geelong City Deal review undertaken in 2022.
Locating it in the caravan park, fronting Hawdon Ave, allows for the effective use of public land, the consolidation of assets (building, utilities and wastewater treatment system), minimises future maintenance costs, supports pedestrian access from multiple points (including beach users), minimises environmental disturbance, minimises light pollution, and minimises impacts to view lines to and from Kennett River.
During the development phase of the draft Precinct Plan alternative locations for the toilet block were explore. Ultimately, the Caravan Park was reaffirmed as the most suitable location by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. This decision was guided by coastal legislation, including the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and the Siting and Design Guidelines, which prioritise the effective use of public land, adaptability to climate change scenarios, and minimising environmental impact as well as future maintenance obligations.
WHAT OTHER LOCATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC TOILET DID YOU CONSIDER?
We considered several locations for the public toilet block, including nearby Kafe Koala and along the service road. Each location, including the proposed location in the caravan park, was assessed against measures including permit approvals, public open space impacts, safety, environmental impacts and cost. We did not consider locations outside of the public land we manage.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
WILL THE TOILET BLOCK REQUIRE A BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL RATING?
The public toilet may be required to have defendable space, as per the Bushfire Management Overlay which encompasses Kennett River. This will be determined once detailed designs have been obtained and a bushfire consultant is commissioned to prepare a Bushfire Management Plan.
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF WATER FOR THE CURRENT WASTEWATER SYSTEM, AND PROPOSED WASTEWATER SYSTEM? HOW IS WATER QUALITY MONITORED?
The current source of water for the wastewater system is from Kennett River, under a licence from Southern Rural Water (SRW), with additional water trucked in during peak times. This is expected to continue, with demand offset by water sensitive initiatives, roof top capture and other long term sustainability initiatives.
The Kennett River Family Caravan Park has a water licence from SRW to harvest water from the river and follows the advice of the SRW, Colac Otway Shire and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in managing water quality. This water is used for toilet flushing, showers etc. and is not used for drinking (potable) water at the Caravan Park. Potable water is trucked into the caravan park.
Colac Otway Shire, the EPA and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority are responsible for monitoring river health and water condition, and we receive alerts should the water quality be of a concern.
WHAT WILL UPGRADES TO THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM INVOLVE? HOW WILL YOU ACCOMMODATE LOCATIONS WITHIN A LAND SUBJECT TO INUNDATION OVERLAY?
The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in the caravan park, which was approved by the EPA in 2008 is being upgraded to accommodate the use for this purpose in line with current EPA requirements and approvals. The EPA will need to approve the upgraded system and disposal and reuse options as per the Environment Protection Act 2017. We are working closely with the EPA for the upgrades.
To get the system approved by the EPA several studies are required including but not limited to a groundwater monitoring program and assessment, Land Capability Assessments, soil properties, considerations of local climatic conditions, and flooding constraints on the site. The findings of these studies and constraints will be used to determine the extent of the dispersal system and the method of treated wastewater disposal.
Further details about the wastewater treatment system are on the project website HERE, and this will be updated as information comes to hand.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
HAS KENNETT RIVER’S VISITOR VOLUMES BEEN ASSESSED AGAINST CURRENT AND FUTURE TOURISM STRATEGIES?
This project has considered existing strategic documents which identify Kennett River’s role on the Great Ocean Road, including the Strategic Master Plan for the Great Ocean Road Region Visitor Economy 2015-2025, and The Destination Action Plan (DAP 2017-2020). Additionally, this project needs to align with coastal management frameworks and legislation.
These strategies aim to enhance tourism revenue by improving visitor experiences, developing new products, and boosting infrastructure, with a focus on addressing challenges such as low visitor yield, seasonal and geographic dispersal and congestion. Actions for Kennett River include enhancing wildlife viewing areas, addressing impacts from day tours and free campers, and adapting to the needs of digital travellers.
WHAT ABOUT FUTURE STRATEGIES, SUCH AS THE UPCOMING SUSTAINABLE VISITATION MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK? WHEN DOES THAT COME INTO PLAY, AND HOW WILL THE DESIGN RESPOND TO THAT?
A Sustainable Visitation Management Strategy (SVMS) for the Great Ocean Road region is soon to be developed. The SVMS will guide the future of sustainable visitation along the Great Ocean Road.
The SVMS will explore and identify carrying capacities, community tolerances, and visitation patterns. It will recommend control mechanisms to mitigate overcrowding impacts and enhance the value visitors bring to the region.
With an understanding of carrying capacities, the SVMS will support the development of plans for visitor dispersal and encompass provisions for managing bus visitation, including day-trip buses along the length of the Great Ocean Road.
The draft Precinct Plan has been developed with the SVMS in mind.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
HOW DOES THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN IMPROVE THE PRECINCT FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS?
Traffic surveys were undertaken over a four-day period between 1 to 4 April 2024 (during a peak time; the Easter holiday period) to assess daily parking numbers by volume and vehicle type in Kennett River, under existing precinct parking conditions. Pedestrian movement patterns within the precinct were also observed in this traffic survey. A summary of this data is shown in the traffic data summary here HERE, prepared by traffic engineers at SMEC.
This data provides an understanding of how the precinct is utilised by both pedestrians and vehicles. The draft Precinct Plan prioritises safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability while enhancing public amenities for the local community and visitors alike. The draft plan incorporates designated parking for all vehicle types (exluding large tour coaches), traffic-calming measures, and a proposes a net reduction in car spaces to optimise flow and minimise congestion.
Local traffic-only access is proposed for Hawdon Avenue, with dedicated parking near Kafe Koala for local resident use. Accessible pedestrian paths will connect key areas, ensuring safe movement between Kafe Koala, the caravan park, public amenities, and recreation zones.
The potential for timed and formalised parking will limit extended parking within the precinct, therefore freeing up spaces for self-drive day visitors wishing to enjoy the beach, grab a coffee, or walk/hike through the area.
The proposed changes will make traffic movements safer in the town and provide a better experience for locals and visitors.
HOW DOES THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN RESPOND TO COMMUNITY FEEDBACK?
The draft Precinct Plan takes into consideration the key themes identified through community engagement in early 2024 as summarised in the Engagement Report, which included:
Congestion, traffic, buses, and pedestrian safety
The draft Precinct Plan prioritises safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability while enhancing public amenities for the local community and visitors alike. Aligned with the Vision and Guiding Principles, the draft plan incorporates designated parking for all vehicle types (excluding large tour coaches), traffic-calming measures, and a proposed net reduction in car spaces to optimise flow and minimise congestion.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
Development of an appropriate visitation strategy that caters for a sustainable mix and volume of visitors
A Sustainable Visitation Management Strategy (SVMS) for the Great Ocean Road region is soon to be developed. The SVMS will guide the future of sustainable visitation along the Great Ocean Road.
The SVMS will explore and identify carrying capacities, community tolerances, and visitation patterns. It will recommend control mechanisms to mitigate overcrowding impacts and enhance the value visitors bring to the region.
The draft Precinct Plan has been developed with the SVMS in mind, allowing for either a reduction or increase in infrastructure to respond to visitation direction as required.
Bus access, licensing, and parking restrictions
The draft Kennett River Draft Precinct Plan does not allow for large tour coaches to enter or stop within the precinct.
GORCAPA will work with the relevant authorities to determine the most appropriate process to implement these restrictions.
There is no current regulation to prevent or discourage large tour coaches from entering the precinct.
In the meantime, GORCAPA and Council are exploring ways to strengthen enforecements and parking restrictions, including time-limited parking, to improve traffic flow, public safety, and accessibility.
Further
sharing of project information
To find out more about the project or to sign up for project updates visit: www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/kennettriver
Opportunities for greater community
involvement
The establishment of a Community Reference Group has provided a direct contact point for local community voices to be heard. Furthermore, planned community engagement activities ensure the wider community is kept up to date.
Environmental considerations and respect for local wildlife
We have heard, through various means how important the natural environment is to locals (which is why everyone loves Kennett River so much), and how vital it is that it is respected and valued. Future analysis of carrying capacity will help determine the appropriate level tourism to ensure the environment is protected.
Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River
Caravan Park Master Plan
HAS THE NUMBER OF CARAVAN PARK CAMPING SITES CHANGED BECAUSE OF CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN?
As identified in the Caravan Park Masterplan, the accommodation mix will change, seeing an increase in the number of cabins and a refinement of camping sites to accommodate road network changes. This will also provide greater balance and diversity to the accommodation offering within the caravan park.
DOES THE CARAVAN PARK MASTER PLAN ADDRESS CAMPER OVERFLOW PARKING WITHIN THE PRECINCT?
Yes, the master plan limits campers to one vehicle per site and promotes alternative transport like the V-Line bus to ease parking pressures during peak times.
This, alongside potential timed and formalised parking will limit parking within the township precinct for extended periods, therefore freeing up spaces for self-drive day visitors wishing to enjoy the beach, grab a coffee, or take a walk/hike.
CAN
I DISPOSE OF MY WASTE, INCLUDING GREY AND BLACK WATER WITHIN THE CARAVAN
PARK?
No. Kennett River does not provide a recreational vehicle dump station. The closest dump stations are located at Skenes Creek and Lorne.