About the Coast
About this page
The public land coastal reserves managed by GORCC extends from Point Impossible to Cumberland River within the boundaries of the Surf Coast Shire.
GORCC manages the majority of this land, though extensive areas are now part of the new Great Otway National Park managed by Parks Victoria, with smaller areas also managed by Surf Coast Shire.
The coastal reserve includes foreshores and adjacent areas, estuaries and beaches in and around townships. Coastal reserves offer significant environmental, social and economic values to residents and visitors. The outstanding natural environs of the coastal reserve system provided the underpinnings of indigenous occupation of the region, and this environment continues to attract and sustain people today.
The reserve is characterised by several iconic coastal features including crashing surf, sweeping beaches, estuaries, cliffs and dunal systems. Vegetation includes coastal heath, forest and woodland areas, dunal mixes and aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses. A wide variety of fauna are also present in the reserve including migratory and resident species from land and sea. Many species are protected by state, national and international arrangements. Large numbers of pest animal and plant species also occupy reserve areas.
The natural environment of the reserves forms the basis of many social and economic values in the community. The coastline is the driving force behind strong tourism and property sectors which provide benefits throughout the local and regional economies. The ecological services provided by reserves, such as water treatment, also contribute economically. The coast provides important social value such as sense of place, recreation and opportunities for social contact. The social contribution made by provision of open space has been well-documented in Victoria's national parks.
The Surf Coast Shire has a permanent population of 19,629 and includes several significant coastal towns that pride themselves on their coastal environs such as Torquay/Jan Juc (population 10,097), Anglesea (2,203), Lorne (1,216) and Airey's Inlet/Fairhaven (1,033). These towns have low resident populations, with permanent occupancy ranging from approximately 65% in Torquay to less than 35% in Lorne, which illustrate the significance of the region as a holiday destination.