Draft 2026-27 Budget open for feedback
Published on 29 April 2026
Colac Otway Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the Draft 2026-27 Council Budget which is now open for public comment.
The Draft Budget outlines Council’s priorities for 2026-27 and has been informed by community consultation conducted during December and January at the start of the process.
Mayor Jason Schram said the Draft Budget sets a strong focus on delivering projects and services that matter to residents, while acknowledging the current global economic climate.
“Early community engagement allowed time for ideas to be considered and where possible incorporated into the Draft Budget,” Cr Schram said.
“That approach has led to a number of community-driven initiatives being included for consideration for funding.
“However, Council is aware it needs to remain flexible in its thinking and actions in the current economic and global environment to maximise opportunities and limit the impact of rising costs.”
Projects included in the draft budget as a result of community feedback include:
- Upgrades to the Irrewillipe Recreation Reserve toilets.
- An emergency management trailer to be located in Apollo Bay.
- Additional park furniture in Memorial Square, Colac.
- A drainage upgrade at the corner of Murray Street and Armstrong Street.
- A review of Council’s Rural Housing Policy.
The Draft Budget outlines Council’s asset renewal and maintenance priorities throughout the shire. Council has allocated over $13 million to its capital works program.
“Council will continue to prioritise investment in the renewal of the shire’s ageing assets.
“This includes projects that focus on maintaining, upgrading and replacing existing Council-owned infrastructure so it remains safe, functional and fit for community use,” Cr Schram said.
As a new inclusion in 2026-27, Council is allocating funding to programs for the sealing of some unsealed roads and continuing to increase the amount of new footpath networks in different areas across the shire.
“Council is keen to address the sealing some of our 1,000 kilometres of unsealed roads in the shire, as well as increase the number of footpaths delivered annually in high need areas,” Cr Schram said.
He encouraged all community members to review the draft budget and share their feedback.
“I thank everyone who has contributed so far and encourage community members to view this Draft Budget and take the opportunity to have their say.”
The Draft 2026-27 Council Budget is available for public feedback via the Have Your Say page on Council’s website. Hard copies can also be viewed in-person at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Colac and Apollo Bay.