Tourists heading to one of Australia’s most picturesque coastal regions could soon have to pay parking fees, even to use the toilet.
A “beach tax” could soon be imposed on Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road and its popular beaches.
The state government this week proposed a “visitor parking charge” 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 be limited to beaches, but also to bathing stops, waterfalls, piers and lighthouses. The Herald of the Sun reported.
The region’s world-famous Bells Beach is not included in the proposal at this stage.
According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), premises would be exempt from the fees “in their local community” but it has requested comments on the definition of the term “local”.
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan, whose electorate covers much of the Great Ocean Road region, said he had been “taken by surprise” by the proposal.
Holidaymakers heading to Torquay beach (pictured) could soon be hit by a ‘beach tax’
Under the proposal, visitors would have to pay parking fees at many of the Great Ocean Road’s picturesque beaches.
“Are they Geelong residents from the area? Are they Colac residents from the area?” Riordan asked.
“Are they going to charge them taxes every time they go to the beach? I have a lot of questions.
Mr Riordan said the parking charges were essentially a “beach tax” and would force commuters to “plug the shortfall” as the state government cuts funding for coastal and forest management to fund tunnels in Melbourne.
DEECA said the revenue raised would go towards funding GORCAPA’s work to conserve places of cultural significance and protect and enhance sensitive environments.
Proceeds would also go toward maintaining visitor facilities, parking, restrooms, walking trails and viewing platforms.
The proposed fees will not apply to the region’s legendary Bells Beach at this stage.
A DEECA spokesman said visitor parking fees would directly fund the protection of the Great Ocean Road parks and coastline.
He said the department is inviting community input to help shape the change.
“Coastal management is a government function; we already pay taxes for it,” Riordan said.
‘Damn it! They’re supposed to do that with the money they already have.’