At its December meeting, Council reaffirmed its position from May 2025, opposing rezoning of land at Pound Road, Colac for development of 50 lots for social and affordable housing.
Council opposed the proposal on the grounds that the development does not align with neighbourhood character and concentrates social housing in one location. Council’s stance reflects strong community opposition to the proposed development at the site.
Council formally expressed its opposition to a combined application lodged by Homes Victoria to the Minister for Planning to rezone the land at Pound Road, Colac and a permit for the development.
The application seeks approval for a Planning Scheme amendment and a planning permit to enable the construction of 50 single-storey dwellings, comprising 30 for social housing and 20 for affordable housing.
Mayor Jason Schram said Council supported development of social housing in Colac, but that research had shown it was most effective when integrated across the community, rather than concentrated in one area.
Following discussions between Homes Victoria and Council, Homes Victoria had explored an amended plan for the proposed development, reducing lot numbers and including public open space.
Cr Schram said Homes Victoria has reverted to the original plans (that includes 50 dwellings), which Council considers too dense and lacking in usable open space.
“Council’s suggestions and feedback to Homes Victoria have been overlooked and are not reflected in the current application before the Minister for Planning,” he said.
“Council was only made aware of the return to the original plan of 50 dwellings just prior to the application being lodged to the Minister of Planning.
“The plan fails to provide the best outcomes for people who need social housing, especially in a community with limited services for vulnerable people.
“We hope the Minister for Planning considers Council’s opposition to the current plan, along with community feedback, when deciding whether the development should proceed as currently proposed,” Cr Schram said.
At the meeting, Councillors voted in favour of an alternate motion raised by Cr McCrickard that included a request that if a permit to develop the site is issued, Council will advocate to the State Government to prioritise eligible Colac Otway residents for available housing.
The resolution also states that Council strongly reiterates its request for an increase in financial support to existing and new local social services and agencies to cater to tenants of the additional 50 social and affordable homes.
Council will also continue to advocate for appropriately sized and developed public open space in the development.