Additional Info

• Clients:
  • Mornington Peninsula Shire 
  
  
• Strategy: The Octopuses Garden marine trail was an innovative project that captured the attention of the Rye community and beyond. The project was the first of its kind, and an important driver behind its success was engagement with key stakeholders across all aspects of the project. 
  
  
  We needed develop complimentary marine experiences that would generate the same buzz and create iconic tourism assets for the region. In line with the brief, we sought to:
  
  

  • - Liaise with stakeholders to identify potential locations that cater for varying levels of diving and snorkelling experiences and showcase the diverse range of marine habitats in and along the Peninsula;
  • - Develop a site matrix to measure proposed locations against key criteria to ensure suitability;
  • - Undertake desktop research of other marine trails and lessons from the Octopuses Garden to identify suitable designs for new trails;
  • - Finalise locations and submit designs to key stakeholders for comment;
  • - Review a range of funding options to help ensure trails would be adequately funded and maintained;
  • - Develop costings for roll out of the marine experiences;
  • - Identify and secure key stakeholder for management of trails including public liability/risk issues; and
  • - Work with key stakeholders to identify critical success factors and recommendations moving forward. 

  
  
• Results: A comprehensive report was submitted to the client and key stakeholders. An outline for three unique marine experiences utilising a combination of designs, a range of habitats and catering for varying levels of diving and snorkelling experience were proposed. This included a wreck trail for scuba divers and a rocky shores snorkelling trail with concrete plinths and surface mounted buoys.

  The trails have the potential to become a valuable new tourism draw card on the Mornington Peninsula, educating visitors and the community about the colour and diversity of the local marine environments while helping to position the area as a marine icon of the southern shores.

  Four funding streams were identified that could supplement costs, including key stakeholders, corporate entities, government grants and sponsorship of individual signs from the local community. Opportunities also exist for the sponsorship of materials through manufacturers and council contractors. 

  A number of recommendations were formulated to ensure longevity and success of the proposed trails including the development of a Management Agreement, creation of a consultative committee, development of a partnership agreement, and the cultivation of long-term funding strategies. It was also recommended that a research/literature review be conducted to determine and manage the impact of marine trails on the natural environment and ensure that the trails become models for best practice. Further, it was advised that a Code of Conduct be developed to guarantee the protection of the environmental values of the area and ensure the safety of divers and snorkelers. 

  Stay tuned……….