Bulla expansion highlights partnership approach

Published on 01 September 2023

Bulla Dairy Foods has been granted approval to extend manufacturing operations at its Forest Street facility.

The expansion was endorsed by Colac Otway Shire Council at its June Council meeting, and will see the Australian owned family dairy company commit to further improvements to its Colac operations.

The latest project is a result of close co-operation between Bulla and Council.

Bulla General Manager Operations Kylie Armstrong said the major employer had worked collaboratively with Council to support its operations and expansion in Colac.

“The management and planning teams at Council have been a pleasure to work with, always providing excellent advice and support to meet Council’s high standards. As one of the largest employers in the Colac region we regard the Council as an integral part of our success and value our relationship with them.

“We are really pleased that these plans have been approved by Colac Otway Shire as this will help us to continue to grow our business and support local employment that leads to Bulla’s long-term sustainability in Colac,” Ms Armstrong said.

Council’s Planning and Strategic Focus Manager Doug McNeill said the Bulla project was one of 38 planning applications resolved in June.

“Bulla is a company we deal with regularly and they are always well-prepared for their projects, but it certainly helps when we can work with the applicant and their consultants from early in the process to ensure we understand their intentions and can guide them towards a successful outcome,” Mr McNeill said.

“Our Planning Department uphold the statutory requirements for new developments such as this, but we are always looking at how we can assist companies and individuals to get their applications ready to give them the best chance of approval.

“A lot of this work can go unnoticed, but builders, developers and individuals are interested in advice on processes and requirements to enable them to lodge well-prepared applications,” he said.

“And we find those well-prepared applications are very successful because they best show how the proposal meets the needs of the site, the environment, and the neighbours.

“Planning application numbers for commercial development continue to be strong, which shows great confidence in this area and individuals and businesses continue to invest and bring interesting projects forward that support employment and growth,” Mr McNeill said.

Pictured are Colac Otway Shire Planning and Strategic Focus Manager Doug McNeill and Bulla General Manager Operations Kylie Armstrong.