Port Campbell Town Centre Project to go ahead
Published on 08 October 2021
Port Campbell is set to undergo a major revitalisation after the Federal Government announced $5.6 million funding towards the project.
Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan announced the funding from the Building Better Regions Fund today. Combined with a $6 million commitment from the State Government (announced in June) and Council’s contribution, the project will be Corangamite Shire’s largest ever infrastructure project.
The project will enhance the amenity of the town, better disperse visitors, improve access, visitor experience and encourage longer stays.
Benefits will include improved traffic flow and safety, greater recognition of the environmental and character value of the town, accessible paths and infrastructure, opportunities for new retail/hospitality businesses, better outdoor public spaces, and improved liveability.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said she was thrilled about the announcement and thanked the Federal Government for its support.
“This major project has been Council’s top priority for a few years and to see it all coming together is terrific,” Mayor Gstrein said.
“There has been a lot of work with the community to ensure we get it right and this announcement is the final piece of the puzzle. We are good to go.”
Coastal Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels said the project would be rolled out in stages.
“We are really mindful that Port Campbell businesses have been impacted by the pandemic and are looking forward to a busy, undisrupted summer,” Cr Vogels said.
“The works will be staged around busy periods to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.”
“It is going to be a journey and we have made a commitment to talk to residents and businesses every step of the way,” Cr Vogels said.
Proposed works include:
- Streetscape upgrades, including the introduction of street plantings, garden beds, and footpath treatments. Shared pedestrian and traffic zones will also be created in core retail and commercial areas, with a focus on improving pedestrian amenity and safety
- Street furniture and visitor amenities, such as bike racks, bollards, rubbish and recycling bins, bench seats, dog waste facilities, drink fountains, phone charging stations, picnic tables, information pillars and barbecues
- Expanded outdoor dining areas, and new decked areas for viewing and picnicking
- Improved sustainability outcomes as a core component of streetscape designs, including use of climate resilient indigenous plant species and locally manufactured materials, and incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design features (such as rain gardens)
- Changes in road and intersection configurations to improve traffic flow through the town and enhance accessibility and safety of the town’s primary thoroughfares for pedestrians. Works will also be undertaken to improve the arrival experience of visitors to the town
- Parking solutions to manage peak period parking, including an increase in parking spaces to meet local and visitor demand, and provision of additional accessible parking at priority locations
- Street lighting to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the night-time character of the town
- Integrated artwork that captures the character and vision of Port Campbell
- The design will also allow electric car charging stations and e-bike charging stations to be added to the town centre in the future.