Framework for Colac’s future development closer to State approval

Published on 30 November 2020

As interest in living in Regional Victoria gains unexpected momentum, Colac Otway Shire Council can finally proceed with its strategic development plan to unlock land across Colac for residential growth.

Colac Otway Shire Mayor Cr Kate Hanson has welcomed confirmation that State Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved the Colac Growth Plan, which has opened doors for development and would enable the city to accommodate its projected population growth in a considered and strategic manner.

“An enormous amount of work has gone into the 2050 Growth Plan (Planning Scheme Amendment C97), with extensive community engagement including a citizens’ jury process and it is extremely important for Colac’s future to have this plan in place.

“As a Councillor, I was involved in the citizens’ jury and saw first-hand the interest and passion our community had in seeing a plan developed that would ensure Colac could accommodate more housing without detracting from  the city’s existing appeal.”

Colac Otway Shire Chief Executive Peter Brown said the Growth Plan created an opportunity for an appropriate mix of housing and block sizes and aimed to guide development across Colac for the next 30 years.

“The plan was developed with the knowledge we have strong, diverse industries, we had a duplicated highway heading towards us, ideally located two hours from Melbourne on the edge of a lake, with access to public transport, schools, health care, retail and near the Great Ocean Road,” he said.

“Since the plan was adopted by Council in August last year and sent to the State Government for approval, the COVID situation has created a focus on the appeal of Regional Victoria which could further increase demand for housing in Colac.”

“The 2050 Growth Plan does not rezone land but provides a framework for rezoning and development in the future, including extending Colac’s boundaries and identifying where housing and industrial sites will be appropriate.

“There will be landowners who will be able to consider turning vacant blocks or paddocks into housing options if they choose,” Mr Brown said.

“Colac has needed appropriately zoned land for housing to meet demand for some time and while Council has already been working with landowners interested in developing land, the approval of the 2050 Growth Plan is the key to progressing those opportunities.”

The 2050 Growth Plan can be viewed at https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Planning-building/Strategic-planning/Current-Strategic-projects/Completed-Projects/Colac-2050 and Council’s Planning team can assist with any planning inquiries via the website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au, or by phoning 52329400.