New strategy paves way for better footpaths in Colac and Apollo Bay
Published on 23 September 2025
Residents will enjoy safer, more connected streets as Council prioritises footpath upgrades where they’re needed most.
Council has endorsed a new Colac and Apollo Bay Footpath Strategy Review, guiding footpath upgrades across Colac, Elliminyt and Apollo Bay for years to come.
The strategy lists priority streets for new footpaths, taking into account locations of schools, hospitals, shopping areas and community facilities as well as traffic risk.
The review identified a need for 6.5km of new paths at Apollo Bay and 8km in Colac and Elliminyt. Council will stage the work over coming decades as funding becomes available, prioritising maintenance and renewal of existing footpaths before building new ones.
Infrastructure and Environment General Manager Doug McNeill said Council was committed to maintaining a high-quality footpath network.
“Footpaths aren’t flashy, but they make a real difference to the lives of people living in Colac and Apollo Bay, especially for kids walking to school, senior residents getting to the shops, residents with accessibility needs and families pushing prams,” Mr McNeill said.
“Better footpaths mean safer streets, more active lifestyles and easier access to local services,” he said.
“The review confirms that while Council has made steady progress over the past decade, some residential streets still lack footpaths on one or both sides.
“The strategy will remain a working document that is reassessed and reviewed over time, however the Review gives Council a clear guide for future investment.”
Council will use the strategy to guide future capital works programs and budgets, and it will also support applications for government funding for new footpaths.
“Whilst the review focussed on the two largest urban centres in the shire, this would not preclude future footpath investment in smaller towns,” Mr McNeill said.
“We understand there will need to be footpath investment in other parts of the shire”.
Council allocated $200,000 in its 2025-2026 budget for expansion of the footpath network, up from the $80,000 allocated in 2024-2025.
Based on direction from the recent review, Council will be constructing a new concrete footpath in Elliminyt along Ballagh Street between Hart Street and Main Street, complementing a section of footpath to be constructed by a developer subdividing land in Ballagh Street.
“This footpath will provide an important connection for residents in a busy part of Elliminyt, supporting access to schools and community facilities,” Mr McNeill said.
“A further concrete path connection will be constructed this year in Nelson Street, Apollo Bay between Pascoe Street Diana Street.
“This path will assist pedestrians accessing the main shopping area of Apollo Bay and the beach and foreshore areas.”