The new world-class visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles will create hundreds of jobs for workers and apprentices.
More than 750 people have been employed at the Visitor Experience Centre since construction began last year.
The $126 million redevelopment has also given more than 50 apprentices the once-in-a-lifetime experience of honing their trades skills.
The centre will also create dozens of ongoing jobs across hospitality, customer service, retail and maintenance.
Tour operators and local businesses will benefit as visitors extend their stays in the region.
It’s another example of government-backed infrastructure creating jobs and fostering skills.
The new precinct is quickly taking shape, with works on the visitor centre, landscaping, carparks and connecting roads progressing.
This includes a major planting blitz, with 100,000 native plants to help restore this part of Keerray Woorroong Country.
When completed later this year, the precinct will be a stunning gateway to Victoria’s south-west.
It will connect millions of visitors to the region’s famous natural wonders and captivating towns.
Featuring a sweeping visitor centre, gallery space, restaurant, kiosk and extensive gardens, the site will deliver an incredible nature and cultural experience.
Expanded carparking will help safely manage the high volume of cars, buses and coaches.
The project is funded through a $676 million partnership between the Albanese and Allan governments and City of Greater Geelong.
The new facilities support Victoria’s $46.7 billion economy, projected to reach $57 billion by 2030.
More than $50 billion has been delivered through the Allan Labor Government over the past decade to make our regions even better places to live, work, visit and study.
Labor is delivering the infrastructure Victoria needs, while Jess Wilson's Liberals are planning $40 billion in cuts.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain:
“It’s crucial for apprentices to build their skills on the job and that’s exactly what we’re enabling at the Twelve Apostles redevelopment.
“Our infrastructure investments are creating jobs while boosting economic activity across regional Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle:
“The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most iconic destinations, and this world-class precinct will ensure experience even more of what Victoria has to offer.
“We’re building more than a visitor precinct – we’re investing in the future of south-west Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone:
“Investing in major tourism infrastructure like the Twelve Apostles precinct means more jobs, more visitors and stronger local businesses across Victoria’s south-west in Wannon.
“This project is creating valuable employment opportunities now and will support ongoing jobs in tourism and hospitality into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Acting Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos:
“The Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct is more than a tourism project – it’s an investment in regional jobs, regional businesses and the long-term growth of Victoria’s south-west.
“Tourism is a major driver of jobs and economic growth in regional Victoria, and this new precinct will help cement the Great Ocean Road as one of the world's great visitor destinations.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney:
“People travel from across the globe to experience the Twelve Apostles for a reason. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression, and these new facilities will help even more people experience the very best of our region.
“It’s fantastic to see so many workers and apprentices contributing to a project that will deliver lasting benefits for south-west Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora:
“When the new precinct opens, it will showcase the very best of our region and encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of our local towns that make this part of Victoria so special.
“Labor is investing in the infrastructure our regions need, creating jobs now while building the foundations for future economic growth.”
Quotes attributable to Kane Constructions Project Director Sam Birdseye:
“This project has provided a significant opportunity to support regional employment and skills development, with a diverse workforce contributing across all stages of delivery.
“We’re particularly proud of the strong apprentice and trainee involvement, which is helping build capability for the future while delivering a project of national significance.”