Voice News
2nd August 2026
AUGUST REPORT
It's August already and we have been busy! Enjoy the read below and hope to see you on the 30th August at the Community Hall to help to plan the future!
* Community Priority Projects – You are all invited to our community forum event Looking Ahead - Shaping Our Future on Sunday 30th August 10.30am – 2.30pm at the Community Hall, flyer is attached. Two experienced and engaging facilitators will shape the day, thanks to the Foundation for Rural, Regional Renewal (FRRR) funds. Let’s build on our community’s strengths, discover what is possible and move forward. Lunch and snacks provided. RSVP 23 August for catering please.
* The Community Hub, 69 McLachlan St (the old Preschool) project is back on track thanks to the generosity of our amazing community groups. More info to follow imminently and it’s time to be excited!
* Affordable Housing: the Housing Task Force is investigating and finalising possible options and models for the community. Once all of the information has been gathered, they look forward to sharing an information package with the community. Committee members attended Colac Otway Adaptable Precincts community focus groups with Deakin University regarding the design for Nelson Street. A Community drop-in consultation will be held in the Library in August (date TBC).
* Paradise - we confirmed (in writing) with DEECA in July that COS are the Committee of Management responsible for the Barham River Reserve encompassing the Paradise Scenic Reserve.
* ABCV made submissions & presented to Colac Otway Shire’s Draft Road Safety Strategy & Draft Economic Development Strategy and met with COS Economic Development team for discussion of the strategy.
* Colac Otway Shire CEO and 2 Councillors met with ABCV for our quarterly meeting. The current Structure Plan for Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek is approaching 20 years old and needs review to better align with current State and regional planning policy and meet community need. The Structure Plan will consider all land within each town boundary and include discussion of how the towns can accommodate sustainable change. Have your say here via survey or written submission by 10 August.
* Dogs on beaches if you have any issues about dogs on beaches, please contact GORCAPA directly rather than COS. GORCAPA phone contact 1300 736 533..
* Meetings with GORCAPA continue quarterly and our next meeting is scheduled for 2 September.
* Before & After school childcare & holiday program: We have been in contact with the OSHC Lavers Hill provider to explore options for Apollo Bay. Meetings in a couple of weeks will explore the possibility of running a program in Apollo Bay for the September school holidays. More information soon.
* Electric Vehicle charger providers – The existing EV provider can expand the provision of EV Charging in Pascoe St, however, the COS has met with opposition from the adjoining property owners. ABCV will continue to work with COS and GORCAPA to resolve the current shortage of fast chargers.
* AGM – ABCV will hold our AGM on Sunday 25 October, 2pm at the Community Hall, save the date!
* Donations For those who are in a position to help to sustain the Community Voice into the future, please make your donation to Apollo Bay Community Voice BSB 633 000 Account Number 206 051 526. Membership is free, so we rely on donations for the general running of the association Please support us so that we can continue to advocate for you. Many thanks to those who have already donated.
* Memberships Thank you to all those who have submitted membership applications. Click ‘Join Us’ at www.abcvoice.com.au to make our voice even stronger.
Jane Gross
President
(03) 5237 6335, 0405 617 151
Apollo Bay Community Voice
PO Box 155, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Email general concerns, queries, or comments to