Responsible budget to fund community priorities

Published on 26 June 2025

Colac Otway Shire Council has endorsed a responsible budget that maintains a focus on delivering essential services and asset renewal.

The 2025-26 Budget also supports community suggestions for new initiatives.

Councillors voted to approve the budget at a meeting on Tuesday 24 June.

The budget includes an average rate rise of three per cent, in line with the State Government’s rate cap, with a net deficit of $3.182 million.

Waste charges for the 2025-26 financial year are to increase by an average of 9.7 per cent.

Council invited ideas and input from the community and Councillors early in the budget development process, including a call for submissions in December and January.

The Draft 2025-26 Budget was also open for comment through May and early June, with 23 written submissions received.

Mayor Jason Schram said the budget aimed to make Council more efficient as an organisation, to better direct spending to community priorities and core services.

“Council is working to make sure ratepayers get the best outcome for their rates, focusing on areas like roads, recreation facilities and other council facilities.

“We’re investing in improving functionality and safety at the Colac Regional Saleyards, recognising the role that agriculture plays in our region,” Cr Schram said.

The 2025-26 Budget also includes reconstruction of three streets in Apollo Bay as well as the investment in the shire’s unsealed road network.

An upgrade to the power supply on the Lake Colac foreshore will be reviewed with the aim to attract more community events in the public space.

Community-driven projects funded in the budget include installation of new public drinking fountains in Gellibrand and Birregurra.

The budget continues Council’s support for young people through increased resources for the Maternal and Child Health Program, as well as the Youth Engagement Program, which Council delivers in partnership with the State Government.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tenni thanked the Colac Otway community for their input toward development of the budget.

“Early input from the community was important for newly elected Councillors who appreciated the many great ideas put forward and a small number were able to be included in the budget,” Mr Tenni said.

“We will continue to look for further opportunities to advocate for support by others or source external funding for those community ideas that could not be accommodated in this Budget.”

Council’s 2025-26 Budget and Fees and Charges are available to view on Council’s website.