Council adopts advocacy priorities for 2026
16th December 2025
At the December meeting, Council strengthened its advocacy approach with the adoption of its advocacy priorities for 2026. The document outlines a series of priority projects that are aligned to the Council Plan 2025–2029.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tenni said the priorities will guide Council’s advocacy campaigns, particularly heading into the upcoming state election.
“Councillors have worked with officers to develop a list of projects and initiatives that will position Council to advocate to State and Federal Government on what is important to the Colac Otway community.
“The key feature of Council’s advocacy program is having a clear and agreed set of identified initiatives for detailed discussions with government ministers and politicians on the needs of Colac Otway Shire.
“Having clearly identified priorities also ensures that Council is ready for any grant funding opportunities that may become available, and reinforces Council’s position in discussions about future investment.
“Adopting priorities enables Council to focus its efforts on projects that deliver benefit to the community and align with our long-term strategic objectives.”
Mr Tenni said Council’s projects will significantly contribute to the future growth and prosperity of Colac Otway Shire.
“The next phase of the Colac Civic Precinct Redevelopment is a major key project for Colac Otway.
“Located in the heart of the city near COPACC, Council offices, and the train station, the redevelopment will provide high-quality tourist accommodation and attract new business to the shire.
“Many projects have shire-wide benefits that will connect communities,” Mr Tenni said.
Council will also build on the rising popularity of Australia’s fastest growing sport by advocating for a Colac Soccer Hub.
“Colac Otway Rovers AFC has increased its membership from 35 to over 200 in three years, however the lack of soccer facilities is impacting growth of the sport in our region.
“A Colac Soccer Hub will be a facility for people to come together from all parts of the Shire to enjoy competition soccer; a Hub also aligns with the wider regional expansion of the game attracting competitors to travel to play in Colac Otway,” Mr Tenni said.
Social connection and physical exercise are also the aim of delivering Footpath Infrastructure Projects.
“Council will advocate for funding for its Strategic Footpath Project to implement key priorities identified through the Apollo Bay and Colac Footpath Strategies. This project also has flow-on benefits for the Birregurra footpath network, as informed by the Birregurra Structure Plan.
“Priorities change from year to year, depending on community need and the political environment, as well as changes in importance in the local and regional environment.
“Council will review its advocacy priorities annually to ensure they align with community needs and government policy and priorities,” Mr Tenni said.
For the full list of Council’s Priority Projects for 2026, visit Council’s website: (Advocacy Priorities 2026 colacotway.vic.gov.au/plans-and-budgets).
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