Vision to attract investment in Colac’s civic, health, rail precinct
Published on 02 May 2025
Colac’s future health, economic, cultural, parking and public transport needs are key pillars of the Draft Colac Civic Health and Rail Precinct Plan, which is being released for public comment.
Colac Otway Shire Council is encouraging community members to view the draft plan and make comment.
The draft plan lays out a vision for the future of the precinct centring on the Colac Otway Shire Council offices, COPACC, Colac Train Station, Colac Area Health and other services and business areas.
It would guide and facilitate redevelopment opportunities within the precinct including encouraging new commercial, tourist accommodation and residential development. The plan sets a long-term vision to stimulate investment and additional employment opportunities within the precinct.
Allowing for increased building heights would support sustainable development in the precinct.
The plan proposes improving access and increasing car parking at Colac Train Station, supporting a push to increase train services in Colac.
Colac Area Health is proposed to remain within the precinct, while identifying the opportunity to accommodate a major hospital redevelopment, along with off-street car parking.
A proposal to convert parking in Connor Street from angled parking to 90-degree parking would result in a net increase in parking.
The Precinct Plan calls for the retention of the existing COPACC green space, improvements to the access driveway, and an increase in on-street parking next to COPACC within the east-west section of Gellibrand Street.
It also proposes the eventual conversion of Gellibrand Street to a shared zone, with the staged closure of part of Gellibrand Street to allow for increased off-street parking.
The draft Precinct Plan follows extensive community and stakeholder feedback including a stakeholder workshop, a community workshop, a targeted workshop with Colac Area Health, Council staff and Councillors, and a survey.
Council will exhibit the draft plan for public comment until 5pm Friday 13 June 2025. To see the plan and make a submission, visit https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-Consultations/Colac-Civic-Health-Rail-Precinct-Plan
People who make written submission can also register to speak at a Submissions Committee meeting.
Quotes may be attributed to General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren
“This is a long-term vision to create a precinct that not only meets the needs of our residents but also attracts future private investment in Colac and provides a strong platform to attract government funding.”
“We are eager to hear the community's views and incorporate their feedback into the final plan. Together, we can ensure that Colac remains a vibrant and thriving destination into the future.”