Police investigate device

The police bomb squad has responded to reports of an incendiary device in Colac district.

Groups join in the family fun

Hundreds of families have joined in the fun and games at Colac’s Bunnings, with community praise for the regular event.

Sharing peace step by step

The world’s largest torch relay has passed through Colac, and district, sharing its message of peace and goodwill.

Draft harbour plans changed

A waterfront promenade has been scrapped, a depot will remain in place and a beach boardwalk is off the table under new plans for the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has released a Draft Precinct Plan for public comment, almost two years after it assumed responsibility for the $12.6-million project. Colac Otway Shire Council had previously prepared the redevelopment, which was funded under the Geelong City Deal in 2018, delivering a plan in 2020 that was informed by community consultation. GORCAPA took over the project in mid-2023 when it accepted management of the area and re-started the process, reviewing the council’s plan and carrying out its own consultation process. It also appointed a new head consultant. GORCAPA said it was left with $10.19 million to work with after taking over the project from the council. The new precinct plan released this week said the promenade, which was one of the key features of the original plan, would be replaced by a viewing deck in front of the fishermen’s co-op. “The previously proposed promenade is no longer feasible due to safety issues arising from pedestrians sharing space with the port depot and slipway operations,” a document said. The new plan also proposes keeping the port depot in its current location instead of moving it to near the car park, as proposed by the council. “It was determined (moving the depot) would create a range of operational and safety issues for the working harbour and create significant landscape and view line impacts,” GORCAPA said. An explainer said the decision was “consistent with the requirements of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018”. The new plan also removed the possibility of a boardwalk along the sand dunes from Point Bunbury to Apollo Bay’s township, which had been a popular request during the first community consultation. “For many years, a pathway or boardwalk along the dunes has been discussed,” documents said. “This is no longer being considered as part of the project due to the significant challenge of building any structures in a coastal erosion zone.” Meanwhile, a harbour manager’s workshop is still being considered but will likely be reduced; public toilets will be at the west end of the depot building, along with emergency rescue storage and a community meeting room; a shower block is being considered; and a Traditional Owner group is reviewing the protection of a freshwater well at the site. The Fishermen’s Co-op building is also being upgraded with funds from the City Deal as well as contributions from the co-op. The upgrades include “a modest expansion for commercial use” in line with policy and City Deal funding. Designs will follow feedback on the precinct plan, likely in the back half of 2025. A report said construction on the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct would begin in mid to late 2025, after approval of the precinct plan. Works will be staged and completion is estimated by June 2026. GORCAPA said delays to the project emerged from a commitment to proper governance and community engagement. “Delays have resulted through this transition in project management since the commencement of the project from Colac Otway Shire Council to GORCAPA when it became the relevant land manager for the Apollo Bay Harbour,” it said. “Changes to legislation and planning requirements have required the project team to review and update the earlier plans to ensure compliance with current requirements.” “There is $10.19 million remaining for this project. To date, a total of $2.4 million has been expended on early works, investigations and studies required to facilitate relevant planning and works approvals.” Community engagement on the precinct plan is open until June 1, and people can view plans and complete a survey on the project’s website. There will also be drop-in sessions throughout May, including at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve office on Wednesday next week from 9am to 12am, and an online session at 6pm.

Mayors meet with MP to oppose levy

Colac district CFA volunteers are warning about the financial and psychological impacts of a proposed levy hike that will disproportionately hit farmers.  

Draft plan revealed for Colac’s precinct

Shop-top living, three-story development and a “green spine” along Gellibrand Street are all part of the vision for a key Colac precinct.

Drought prompts rates deferral

“It’s not a gift or a hand-out – it’s just a bit of a slow-down, a pause to help get through to an easier time.”

A Colac Otway Shire councillor is encouraging farmers impacted by the green drought to make contact about deferring their rates payments.

Rotary rewards Imps’ run

A Colac charitable organisation has praised the Colac Imperials for the club’s winning tilt at the Otway Trail Run this year.