Council invests in locally managed roads

Published on 28 October 2026

Colac Otway Shire Council will continue to deliver important road maintenance works across the municipality, awarding a contract for the Sealed Road Major Patching Program at its October meeting.

The program supports ongoing investment in local sealed roads through timely repairs to improve conditions, extend the life of the road network and avoid costly reconstruction works in the future.

Council allocated $1 million in its 2026-27 budget to the Sealed Road Major Patching Program.

Acting CEO Emma Lowes said maintaining the Shire’s road network was a key priority for Council.

“Roads are among Council’s most important assets, connecting communities, supporting local businesses and helping people travel safely through the Shire,” Ms Lowes said.

The Sealed Road Major Patching Program builds on Council’s investment in road infrastructure, following current delivery of four major sealed road reconstruction projects in Apollo Bay worth $7 million.

Council will also spend over $3 million in 2026-27 on reconstruction of rural roads.

“By investing in the maintenance and reconstruction of our local network, we’re ensuring Council managed roads are reliable and safe for people who use them every day.”

Under VicRoads' 2026-27 road maintenance program, only two state managed roads in Colac Otway Shire have been identified for major repairs as part of 1,000 major road repair projects to be delivered across Victoria.

“At a time when there is significant community concern about the condition of State managed arterial roads Council is proud to be investing in the Colac Otway road network.

“Council will continue to strongly advocate to other levels of government for funding for Colac Otway Shire’s road network,” Ms Lowes said.