A year of recovery, investment and delivery

Published on 29 October 2026

Colac Otway Shire Council has adopted its 2025-26 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant community recovery, infrastructure investment and delivery across the municipality.

The report was adopted at Council's October meeting in Apollo Bay and outlines Council's achievements against the Council Plan 2025-2029.

Mayor Jason Schram said the report reflected a year of strong outcomes despite the challenges posed by bushfires and flash flooding during January and February.

"On behalf of Council I am pleased to present the 2025-26 Annual Report to our community," Cr Schram said.

"Throughout the year, Council remained focused on our vision for Colac Otway to be a place to grow, a place to invest and a place to belong.

"While responding to major emergencies and supporting community recovery, we continued delivering important infrastructure projects, maintaining essential services and investing in our communities."

During 2025-26, Council invested more than $18 million in capital works, the highest annual capital expenditure in the past five years.

Major projects completed during the year included the Elliminyt Wetlands project, upgrades at Lake Colac Holiday Park and the Colac Saleyards, adoption of the Birregurra Structure Plan and renewal of CCTV infrastructure in central Colac.

Council also secured $500,000 through the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund to deliver a new bike park, while work commenced on the $1.7 million Pascoe Street upgrade in Apollo Bay, featuring road, drainage and pedestrian safety improvements.

Supporting local communities remained a key focus, with more than $300,000 distributed through Council's grants program to support 95 community projects, events, business improvements and environmental initiatives across the Shire.

The report also highlights Council's response to the Otway bushfires and Great Ocean Road flash flooding, including the establishment of a dedicated recovery team, the opening of a Community Recovery Hub in Gellibrand and ongoing work to support affected communities. 

Council welcomed the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, in April 2026 to discuss summer fire and flood impacts, meet Councillors, management and first responders, and visit the Gellibrand community, including at local football and netball. This followed the March visit by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, who met first responders and affected residents at a civic reception and viewed flood recovery works in Apollo Bay and Wye River.

Looking ahead, Council will continue investing in projects that enhance liveability and community wellbeing, including the proposed Lake Colac Foreshore Regional Playspace, Central Reserve dog park, Red Rock renewal works, road safety upgrades, new footpath connections and completion of a $7 million coastal road reconstruction program.

"The 2025-26 financial year demonstrated the resilience and determination of our community," Cr Schram said.

"This report showcases what can be achieved when Council, community groups, businesses and residents work together, and it gives us confidence as we continue to deliver on our Council Plan."

The 2025-26 Annual Report is available at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/annual-report

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