State government to snap up land opposite the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road

A deal to compulsorily acquire land opposite the famous tourist attraction has been slammed as “Daniel Andrews wanting another photo in a hard hat”.

A massive parcel of land opposite Victoria’s most iconic tourist attraction is set to be snapped up by the state government.

But it is refusing to say how much it will cost taxpayers, with sources close to the deal tipping the price tag could cost up to $100m.

The 32 hectare site opposite the 12 Apostles along the iconic Great Ocean Road is being compulsorily acquired as part of the government’s Precinct Redevelopment Project.

The property’s owners, who have been trying for a decade to develop the site themselves, were told earlier this month that Development Victoria would acquire the land.

The deal could cost taxpayers up to $100m.

Plans for a new tourist centre were announced in 2019 as part of a joint initiative between the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

The centre will form a key part of the $108.15 million redevelopment.

The land has been in the same family for more than 50 years.

The move has angered locals who say the government would be better investing money in roads and coastal tracks and parks.

The parcel of land being acquired has been in the same family for more than 50 years.

Local Liberal MP Richard Riordan slammed the move and said the current owners, who already operated a successful tourist business in the area, were best placed to develop the site.

“They live and breathe that community, they have the resources, the know how, the skills and the expertise to run what is one of Australia’s premier tourist visitor locations,” he said.

“The terrible mismanagement of the Great Ocean Road and its Parks continues if this gross misallocation of money is allowed.

“The coastal Shires, Tourism operators and the community the length of the Great Ocean Road, want the basics fixed; Toilets that work, roads that are safe, beaches that you can access.

“Spending up to $200m on visitor facilities is Spring Street gone mad, when any number of private investors are happy to spend this money.

“This is not helping tourism, this is Daniel Andrews wanting another photo in a hard hat.”

Corangamite Shire councillor Jamie Vogels said the decision made no sense.

“Compulsory acquisition should always be the last option,” he said.

“It’s far from ideal when you have private sector money that wants to build and develop the site.

“The government should be enabling infrastructure and helping businesses to invest.”

A government spokesperson refused to answer questions about the compulsory acquisition.

“We’re delivering a world class Visitor Experience Centre at the iconic 12 Apostles precinct, creating more jobs and supporting local communities,” she said.

“We continue to engage with all interested parties to ensure this important project for the region and Victoria.”