One Session, Three Projects: Local input needed for coastal plans

Published on 16 September 2025

Apollo Bay residents can help shape the future of town planning, road safety and flood response at a Colac Otway Shire Council community session this October.

The drop-in session is from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October at the Apollo Bay Bowls Club.

Locals can share their experience and local knowledge to guide three key Council projects:

• Barham River Flood Study

• Apollo Bay Structure Plan review

• Road Safety Strategy

Information about the projects will be on display, and the project teams will be on hand to answer questions and gather public feedback.

About the projects:

Road Safety Strategy: Council is developing a new strategy to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. It will cover areas like speed management, road design, enforcement, education and innovative solutions.

Barham River Flood Study: This study is assessing flood risks in Apollo Bay, Marengo and surrounding areas. It will help Council and emergency services plan for future events and update the Planning Scheme to reflect flood impacts.

Apollo Bay Structure Plan review: Council is reviewing the town planning guide for Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek, considering housing shortages, planning controls and neighbourhood character.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tenni encourages Apollo Bay and district residents to drop in to discuss their priorities.

“We’re asking Apollo Bay residents to share their experience and local knowledge to help shape practical, long-term outcomes for their community,” Mr Tenni said.

“These projects will guide future decisions on planning, flood readiness and road safety, and we want them to reflect what matters to Apollo Bay,” he said.

“We’re here to listen to the ideas of Apollo Bay locals and make sure their knowledge leads to real outcomes.

“Bringing these projects together in one session makes it easier for residents to get involved.”

People who can’t attend in person can comment online at Have Your Say