Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Richard RIORDAN (Polwarth) presented a petition bearing 874 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the ongoing environmental damage affecting the Twelve Apostles precinct, attributed to the current Stormwater Management Plan for the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. The plan utilises an existing stormwater system originally designed for managing natural rainfall. Monitoring undertaken by both the petitioner and the local community has identified that surplus stormwater generated by the visitor centre regularly exceeds the capacity of the existing stormwater culvert at Gibson Steps. This overflow results in substantial volumes of water traversing the cliffs, leading to significant displacement of topsoil and native vegetation. The excess runoff subsequently flows over the cliffs onto Gibson Beach, further accelerating cliff destabilisation and erosion beyond rates associated with natural conditions. In addition to causing irreversible environmental harm to Gibson Steps and Beach, the persistent issue of stormwater runoff presents a risk of permanent closure for one of the most prominent tourist attractions and photographic landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. Such an outcome would not only diminish the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the area but would also deprive visitors and the local community of access to a key site of cultural and recreational significance.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly takes decisive action regarding the ongoing environmental damage at the Twelve Apostles precinct, specifically, the immediate revocation of the current Stormwater Management Plan for the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and the development of a comprehensive alternative plan that will prevent further cliff top degradation, reduce cliff instability, and ensure the long-term accessibility of Gibson Steps.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.