The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation which will see the creation of a new entity - the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority ( GORPCA). The recent passage of the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Bill 2019 means the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCPA) will be established by December 1.
The new authority aims to deliver a more coordinated approach to public land management along the 243km stretch of the Great Ocean Road. GORCPA will take over the functions of the 11 different Crown land managers along the Great Ocean Road. The authority will have its headquarters in Torquay and offices in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell as well as operational bases in coastal towns.

Communities along the GOR have expressed concerns that the new board is not mandated to include local representation. Local Upper House members Andy Meddick and Stuart Grimley both presented amendments that would include greater community input, particularly in relation to the management og Bells Beach.

The new authority would sit above Parks Victoria and there are fears it could weaken the environmental protection of national parks, which make up about 80 per cent of public land along the road. Further legislation would be required before responsibility for any national parks land was transferred from Parks Victoria to the authority.

The funding options for the authority include leases, licences, caravan parks and events, as well as charging visitors such as through parking fees, vehicle passes and accommodation levies, excluding locals.