The stated purpose of the bill is to protect the Great Ocean Road region by establishing the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and the development, implementation and monitoring of an overarching strategic framework plan for the Great Ocean Road region.
The bill recognises the traditional owners of the region. The Aboriginal inclusion principles contained in clause 14 state that the connection of traditional owners to country should be acknowledged through partnership and involvement in policy development, planning, and decision-making for public land management. In addition, their ecological knowledge and land management practices should be integrated into the management of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
The bill amends the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 to require the Traditional Owner Land Management Board and the Secretary to have regard to an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan when preparing a management plan.
For further information, see the Explanatory Memorandum.