Farmers to benefit from Saleyards fee changes
25th July 2025
Colac Otway Shire Council has released its Draft 2025-2029 Council Plan based on themes of people, prosperity and place, and is inviting community feedback.
The Plan outlines Council’s vision for the next four years, focusing on encouraging economic growth, supporting community wellbeing and enhancing local infrastructure and the natural environment, and incorporates Council’s Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.
The overarching vision of the plan is: “Colac Otway is a thriving regional hub where residents prosper, businesses find opportunity and visitors stay longer.”
Council developed the plan through extensive community engagement, including focus groups, pop-up events, drop-in sessions, online workshops and surveys, and through the work of a community panel.
Mayor Jason Schram said the aim of the plan was to enhance what makes Colac Otway such a great place to “grow, invest and belong.”
“Supporting the growth of our local economy is crucial. We need to attract new business and investment to create jobs and back our traditional industries like agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.
"Housing is a priority, and we’ll work to support and attract new housing development in the shire, with different housing options,” Cr Schram said.
"We live in an amazing natural environment. We need to nurture that and make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits it provides our residents and visitors.”
Cr Schram thanked members of the public and industry groups who provided valuable input into the engagement process to inform Council’s priorities.
“I encourage everyone to have a look at the draft Council Plan and provide feedback. It will guide how we set ourselves up to deliver services and programs over the next four years to achieve our vision for the Shire.”
Community members can view the plan and submit feedback on Council’s website or in-person at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Colac and Apollo Bay. Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday 3 September.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400