Council adopts strategic plans to guide future of Colac Otway Shire

Published on 28 October 2021

Colac Otway Shire Council has adopted the 2021-2025 Council Plan, setting the strategic direction and priorities for the four years ahead.

The Council Plan works to achieve the new 2050 Community Vision, also adopted at the monthly council meeting.

Mayor Kate Hanson said the Colac Otway community who participated in the comprehensive engagement process had informed development of the strategies.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us their thoughts and ideas to make our region a great place to learn, live, work and play.

“In particular, we’d like to acknowledge the work and dedication of the 24 community members who participated in the deliberative panel over three days and three evening sessions online. 

“The 2050 Community Vision sets out where we’d like to see our shire progress over the next 30 years; strongly aligned with the Community Vision, the Council Plan will guide our decision-making toward projects, services and initiatives we will deliver for our community,” said Mayor Hanson.

The Colac Otway Shire Council Plan incorporates the key themes of Strong and Resilient Economy; Valuing the Natural and Built Environment; Healthy and Inclusive Community; and Strong Leadership and Management. The Community Vision is designed to incorporate these themes. 

For the first time, Colac Otway Shire Council has combined the Council Plan with the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan (MHWBP).

“We’re bringing together the Council Plan and Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan (MHWBP), confirming our commitment to consider the health and wellbeing of our communities as fundamental business of Council,” said Mayor Hanson.

A Financial Plan with a 10-year forecast period was also adopted by Council at the October Council meeting.

The Financial Plan was prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and is informed by a review of current services and incorporates some key financial targets that aim to address financial challenges in the years ahead.

“The Financial Plan development was also assisted by the work of the community panel who deliberated on various issues and was briefed regarding Council’s financial sustainability challenges,” Mayor Hanson said. 

“Work on the Financial Plan to date has identified significant financial challenges being faced by Council as well as a range of strategic actions to create a financially sustainable base.

The Colac Otway Shire Council Plan, 2050 Community Vision and 10-Year Financial Plan will be available on Council’s website www.colacotway.vic.gov.au.