Great Ocean Road proposal: Why tourists may soon face a ‘beach tax’

Tourists visiting one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal areas will soon face parking charges, even for a visit to the toilet.

A ‘beach tax’ could soon be introduced on the famous Great Ocean Road and Victoria’s popular beaches.

The State Government this week proposed a ‘visitor parking fee’ for all areas managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).

The fee would apply to popular beaches including Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and along a 100km stretch of the Great Ocean Road from Point Impossible to Port Campbell.

Parking fees would not only be limited to beaches, but also to restroom facilities, waterfalls, piers and lighthouses. The Herald Sun reported.

The region’s world-famous Bells Beach is currently not included in the proposal.

According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), local residents “within their local community” would be exempt from the charges, but the company has asked for feedback on the definition of the term “local”.

Richard Riordan, MP for Polwarth, whose constituency covers much of the Great Ocean Road region, said he was “blindsided” by the proposal.

Tourists heading to Torquay Beach (pictured) could soon face a ‘beach tax’

Visitors would face parking charges at many of the Great Ocean Road’s scenic beaches, under the proposal

“Are the people of Geelong local? Are the people of Colac local?” Mr Riordan said.

‘Are they just going to pay taxes every time they go to the beach? I have a lot of questions.

Mr Riordan said the parking charges were effectively a “beach tax” and would force travellers to “cover the gap” as the state government cuts funding for coastal and forest management to pay for tunnels in Melbourne.

According to DECEA, the proceeds would be used to fund GORCAPA’s work to preserve places of cultural significance and protect and enhance fragile environments.

Proceeds would also be used for the maintenance of visitor facilities, parking lots, restrooms, hiking trails and viewpoints.

The proposed rates do not currently apply to the region’s legendary Bells Beach

A DECEA spokesperson said visitor parking fees go directly towards protecting the Great Ocean Road parks and coastline.

He said the department is inviting feedback from the community to help shape the change.

“Coastal management is the government’s job, we already pay taxes for it,” said Mr Riordan.

‘Damn, that’s what they should do with the money they already have.’