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Page Last Updated:
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
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Home>Economic Development and Business>Economic Development Unit
The Economic Development Unit (EDU) works with business, community and Government partners to help develop a sustainable local economy by focusing on four main areas:
Business Development
Community Development
Tourism Services
Grants - Funding
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| The Colac Otway Shire is a vibrant rural municipality of approximately 3,500 square kilometres and with a population of approximately 20,000 people located mainly in and around the city of Colac.
Economic activity in the Shire includes agriculture and food processing, forestry and timber processing, tourism, business services, retailing, health and public sector. Farming activities are influenced by the temperate climate, high rainfall and rich volcanic soils of the region. Commercial fishing activities are focused on the Apollo Bay Harbour. Tourism is a key export sector, and is labour-intensive and likely to be the biggest job generator in the Shire in the foreseeable future.
Colac Otway Shire has many comparative advantages:
Natural assets
Relatively high rainfall and availability of water
Fertile land for farming
Appealing forest and coast for tourism and residential living
Established strong local manufacturing sector
Strategic location one hour each from Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool
Major highway and rail links to market
Established strong transport sector
Established strong professional services sector
Diverse employment opportunities
Housing options and plentiful supply of residential land
Cultural opportunities
Colac Otway Performing Arts and Culture Centre (COPACC)
Events such as Apollo Bay Music Festival and Birregurra Festival
Recreational opportunities
Sporting facilities, grounds and clubs
Blue Water Fitness Centre swimming, gym, basketball
Ocean Beaches
Bikes trails
Health services
Colac Area Health
Otway Area Health Apollo Bay
Education - strong primary and secondary schools
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| Action Agenda for Economic Development | | Colac Otway Shires Action Agenda For Economic Development builds upon local comparative advantages through the development of initiatives and programs in the areas of:
Workforce development
Climate Change
Business Development
Regional Development Planning
Marketing and Promotion
Infrastructure
Economic Development Leadership
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Priorities for the Next 12 Months |
 | Workforce development ~ Enhance local opportunities for workforce education and training | | Business Development ~ Creating opportunities and environment for business growth | | Regional Development Planning ~ Integrated social, environment and economic planning | | Marketing and Promotion ~ Marketing initiatives to promote Colac | | Infrastructure ~ Master planning for small townships | | Economic Development Leadership ~ Collaboration between business, community and governments
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| 'Council is committed to facilitating a healthy and resilient economy through effective leadership, advocacy and partnership'
Council Plan 2009 -2013
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| Colac Otway Careers Expo Report 2012 | | The Colac Otway Shire Careers Expo is an annual event to assist Year 9 and 10 local secondary school students with their subject selections, and to provide information to help them decide what career path to choose.
Students from secondary schools within the shire were invited, with approximately 500 students attending. Over 30 exhibitor stalls were set up in the Civic Hall of Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (COPACC).
A guest speaker program was hosted in the auditorium of COPACC, where students listened to individuals currently working in Colac and also individuals who were raised and educated in Colac, and have gone on to work outside the Shire.
2011 Careers Expo Report
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| Economic Development Strategies | |
The Economic Development Unit had produced several strategies which cover affordable housing, tertiary education opportunities, skills shortages and the Apollo Bay Harbour.
Economic Development Strategies
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| Statistics | |
The Shire uses statistical information from the Census to assist in funding applications which result in reducing the cost of infrastructure to the community.
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