The Great Ocean Road memorial arch is a popular place for souvenir pictures.
VISITORS are treating the iconic Great Ocean Road memorial arch precinct as a toilet and causing traffic chaos in pursuit of selfie souvenirs.
People relieving themselves in the dunes and roadside is the number one concern for the management and future of the area, followed by overcrowding, safety concerns, undefined parking, littering, inappropriate beach access and the impacts of climate change.
The trashing touros were revealed in the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s Issue and Opportunities Paper, ahead of the development of a plan to fix the area.
It says, while the arch does not mark the official start to the internationally-marketed Great Ocean Road, it is “highly valued” and has become synonymous with the journey.
Restricting access to the sign, speed and parking restrictions, better historical, practical and traffic signage, fencing and removal of the surrounding cypress trees have been listed as potential improvements, though the committee wants to hear from the community.
Due to erosion and the fragile and changing nature of the dunes, the paper argues the carpark area could not support a toilet, while locating one on the opposite side of the road would exacerbate existing issues of unsafe road crossings and conflicts with residents.
It suggests signage at stops along the Great Ocean Road highlighting where toilets are and aren’t available or an ecotoilet possible solutions.
“The current function of the arch has limited economic benefit to the region, nearby towns, local economy or the authorities responsible for management and investment,” it states.
“(There’s an) opportunity (to) consider ways that the historical narrative around the construction of the Great Ocean Road could be told and provided in other locations with more space and facilities, and without safety and environmental issues.”
The reports says while the recently-added timber viewing decks had helped direct people to safe photo locations, visitors were still walking on the road and risking 80km/h traffic.
“The viewing space could be reorganised to restrict any direct access to the arch (and therefore onto the road), as well as protecting dune areas,” the paper states.
Dutch tourists Anne Kamphuis and Dennis van der Vest snap a selfie at the arch.Source:News Corp Australia
Adding to the plethora of headaches with the site is the fact it’s managed by four separate organisations, including VicRoads, which is responsible for the physical sign, built in 1932 to honour the World War 1 servicemen who made the road.
Surf Coast Mayor Rose Hodge said there had been complaints about the area, especially human waste, for years and the issues needed to be addressed.
“I’m sure the shire would agree a toilet is needed,” she said.
“Having 100 people there at once (when the tour buses are in) is a problem. It’s a lovely memorial, it’s really special and it does need respect.”
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd general manager Liz Price said visitor numbers had grown “dramatically” and was exceeding the pace of infrastructure maintenance and renewal — which received no guaranteed funding.
She said solutions to the complex issue would never please everyone, but there was a definite need to mark the start of the Great Ocean Road, as well as link it in to the overarching experience.
“To make a difference we have to slow people down, make them overnight visitors not day visitors,” Ms Price said.
The draft master plan will be completed later this year.
Read the report and have your say at www.gorcc.com.au before February 26.
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét