Surfcoast Shire in Victoria, which enjoys the natural advantages of a spectacular coastline, the Great Ocean Road, the Otway Ranges and numerous other natural assets is set for further growth via a number of new initiatives.
With its many popular holiday resorts of Lorne, Anglesea and Torquay the region has long attracted surfers, cyclists, motorbike riders, families, conference goers and numerous other visitors. The new developments aim to take full advantage of this, expanding tourism opportunities, creating many more jobs and improving residential amenity.
Just one hour from Melbourne, Torquay is targeted for major changes following the sale of a Council owned retail Centre to private developers. A multi million dollar revamp of the Plaza area in Torquay will include new headquarters for two locally based international surfing goods manufacturing and retailing companies.
Plans include an upgrade of the Centre, providing improved parking and entertainment facilities. Surfcoast Shire is working with representatives from the industry, sport, and the Gordon Institute of Technology to establish an Institute of Surfing based in Torquay. In addition, a new $40 million resort is to be built at Golden Beach with accompanying improvements on nearby White’s Beach.
Alongside these developments, the Shire is expanding its Community Centres based at Torquay, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet to provide more facilities and childcare places. A community bus program has been to be introduced to assist Anglesea’s young people with transport around the Shire and surrounds. When not being used for this purpose it is available for other community uses.
Elsewhere in the region, expansion of farming activity is expected to see the Shire become a major centre of sustainable farming practices through the innovation oriented Southern Farming Systems group, and a major centre of pig production through the expanded Pastoral Pork Company.
On the northern side of the Shire, the historic village of Winchelsea is to be enhanced providing an ideal stopover for the many travellers on the Princes Highway.
For further information contact Jon Breedveld, telephone (03) 5261 0639.
