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Home / Draft Apollo Bay Structure Plan Review

Draft Apollo Bay Structure Plan Review

On display until 28 August 2026, 05:00 PM

Council is committed to supporting Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek’s future by creating sustainable communities, through the development of a vision and strategic direction for each town.

The current Structure Plan is approaching 20 years old and needs review to better align with current State and regional planning policy and meet community need. With this review it is proposed to include Skenes Creek as part of the project.

The Structure Plan will consider all land within each town boundary and include discussion of how the towns can accommodate sustainable change.

Community Drop In Session

Speak to the project team at the community drop-in session.

Date: Saturday 25 July 2025
Time: 9.30 am to 12 noon
Where: Apollo Bay Bowls Club, 6 Moore Stret, Apollo Bay

Complete the Survey

What town or suburb do you live in?

Please select your age range * (required)

Under 18
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80-89
90 or older

Which of the following best describes your connection to Apollo Bay, Marengo and/or Skenes Creek? (Select all that apply) * (required)

I currently live here (homeowner or renter)
I am a ratepayer or own a property here (currently live outside Apollo Bay, Marengo or Skenes Creek)
I work here
I own a business here
I am a visitor

Other

Which township are you most interested in? * (required)

Apollo Bay
Marengo
Skenes Creek

The 2007 Structure Plan presented five guiding principles. How relevant do you think these principles are today?

Principle 1: Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek should remain as distinct coastal settlements, each with a separate identity and local character. * (required)

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Neutral
Not Very Relevant
Irrelevant

Principle 2: The natural beauty of the area, with its unspoilt beaches set against a dramatic backdrop of rolling hills, provides the overarching character which unites the settlements, and should be reinforced in new development. * (required)

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Neutral
Not Very Relevant
Irrelevant

Principle 3: The seaside fishing village character of Apollo Bay focused around a robust working harbour, is highly valued and this character should be preserved and strengthened by new development. * (required)

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Neutral
Not Very Relevant
Irrelevant

Principle 4: Change should take place in a way that sets Apollo Bay apart from other settlements by a demonstrated commitment to healthy lifestyles and ecological sustainability, and responsiveness to the natural environment. * (required)

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Neutral
Not Very Relevant
Irrelevant

Principle 5: The settlements should continue to provide for high quality living, offering improved community facilities and services, as well as economic development opportunities, for self-sustaining lifestyle. * (required)

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Neutral
Not Very Relevant
Irrelevant

Would you like to explain your reasonings?

What do you like most about Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek today? (Select top 3) * (required)

Natural beauty
Coastal lifestyle
Proximity to nature
Village character
Housing styles
Affordability
Local sports and recreation facilities
Local shops
Community

Other

In one sentence, what do Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek look like 20 years from now?

What do you think are the biggest issues for the future growth of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek?

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the future growth of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek?

What is important to consider when providing new housing? (Select top 3) * (required)

Diversity of housing types
Price/affordability
Appearance/character (responsiveness to surrounds)
Close to public transport
Close to community facilities
Close to work
Natural hazards/climate change impacts
Retention of vegetation
Occupancy/use throughout the year

Other

What would help improve movement, access and connections in and around Apollo Bay, Marengo and/or Skenes Creek? (Select top 3) * (required)

More/improved pedestrian crossings
More/improved cycling infrastructure
More/improved shared paths
Better traffic management (e.g. of buses)
Improved parking
More/improved signage around towns to help with navigation

Other

How can we improve environmental sustainability of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek, as the townships grow and develop? (Select top 3) * (required)

Increase vegetation around new development
Include more water sensitive urban design in the public realm
Require more climate resilient building materials
Increase open spaces
Advocate for better public transport
Improve walking and clycling infrastructure and connections
Investigate sustainability initiatives like community batteries

Other

How can we balance growth in tourism while diversifying and supporting the local economy? (Select top 3) * (required)

Increase local experiences on offer (year-round)
Better promote local experiences and attractions
Improve transport infrastructure (and parking)
Strengthen links to regional tourist attractions

Other

What community facilities are needed to support a growing and changing population? (Select top 3) * (required)

Open spaces and parks
Aged care facilities/services
Health and medical facilities/services
Childcare/kindergarten services
Educational facilities
Community hubs
Sport and recreation facilities
Nature-based attractions (e.g. wetlands)
Visitor facilities/services

Other

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would you like to receive updates about this project? * (required)

Yes
No

Do you want to be kept updated?

Your name

Your email address

In Writing

You can forward your written submission to:

Colac Otway Shire Council. PO Box 283 Colac 3250
Email: inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au
or, drop it into one of our customer services centres in Apollo Bay or Colac.

Contact details

03 5232 9400

inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au

Related Information

Apollo Bay Structure Plan Review

Tagged as:

Structure Plans

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Contact Us

Post: PO Box 283, Colac VIC 3250
Phone: +61 3 5232 9400 (24-hours a day)
Email: inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au

Colac Customer Service Centre
2-6 Rae Street, Colac

Colac Visitor Information Centre
Corner Murray and Queen Streets, Colac

Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre
GOR Visitor Information Centre
100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay

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Acknowledgement

Colac Otway Shire Council proudly acknowledges the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples, past, present and emerging, as the traditional custodians of the Colac Otway region.