Colac Otway locks in its priorities

THE Colac Otway Shire has set its wishlist ahead of the state election, and is pushing more than 30 major projects and more than $10 million of funding.

The council adopted its list of its top 30 Priority Projects at a meeting last month.

The list includes $1.35 million toward local roads upgrades and maintenance and $450,000 to the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct redevelopment.

Shire mayor Joe McCracken said that Council had been strategic in determining key infrastructure and planning projects which would best return economic, social and environmental outcomes to Colac Otway Shire.

“We have identified a diverse range of projects, many of which are shovel-ready, all of which are expected to generate considerable benefits for our community.

“The selected projects represent a program which will be delivered over a number of years to continue to strengthen our economy, improve the liveability of our region and enhance our communities.

“From the refurbishment of Winifred Nance Kindergarten ($400,000) to implementing the Forrest Mountain Bike Trail Strategy ($200,000), the Priority Projects framework should be seen as dynamic, responding to the changing needs and priorities within our diverse community to provide value to all.

“We’ve informed our selection of priorities through community engagement such as the new pre-budget consultation process and in developing the Council Plan 2017-2021.

“We know that our community wants the Memorial Square Master Plan to be delivered and the Great Ocean Road Authority to be established, and we’re focussed on having all priorities supported by our state and federal counterparts.”

He said Priority Projects were assessed and selected based on merit, cost, feasibility and necessity.

“Our job now is to go out there and actively promote and advocate for each of our community’s priorities as these projects are reliant on state and federal government support for their delivery.”