Colac Otway Shire is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria. It comprises of spectacular coastal areas, lush rainforested hinterlands and beautiful vast open plains with native grasslands and wildflowers.
The Shire hosts some of Australia’s greatest National and State Parks including Otway National Park, Carlisle River State Park, Kawarren Regional Park and Lorne-Angahook State Park, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Otway National Park includes many sites of National and State Rainforest Significance including areas such as the Olangolah Forest and Fauna Reserve, the Aire State Forest and Melba Gully State Park.
Our rivers and streams in the hinterland are also highly valued. The Aire River is identified as a Heritage River while parts of the Gellibrand River and Kennedy’s Creek are representative of significant geological or geomorphological types.
The north of the Shire hosts some of the Western District Ramsar Lakes supporting some 67 waterbird species including several rare and threatened waterbirds such as the Great Egret, Australasian Bitten, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern and Whiskered Tern.
The Colac Otway Shire's commitment and consideration to the environment is reflected in the Planning Scheme Overlays, Timber Industry Guidelines, Roadside Management Guidelines, our Biodiversity Incentive Scheme and Stormwater Management Plan as well as numerous other projects that are being undertaken to improve our local environment.
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