Colac Otway Accepts Offer on Former High School Site
Published on 30 March 2021
Colac Otway Shire Council is set to take ownership of almost 4.5 hectares of the former Colac High School site, which will secure the land for community use.
Colac Otway Mayor Cr Kate Hanson said Council had agreed with the Department of Education and Training (DET) to purchase two hectares, which would be in addition to the 2.483 hectare parcel of land which the Department is transferring to Council at no cost by way of open space contribution as part of the rezoning process for several former school sites.
“DET has advised that the two-hectare parcel has been valued by the Victorian Valuer-General at $190,000 for community use,” Cr Hanson said.
“Council will fund the purchase from its Public Open Space reserve.
“The Surveyor Generals Office will complete the subdivision and prepare a Title Plan, while the Department of Treasury and Finance will arrange for a contract of sale to be prepared.
“The community has campaigned strongly over the years for the former High School site to be made available for the community.
“The Department’s plans to relocate the Colac Specialist School to part of the site and make available a 4.483-hectare parcel to Council for community use is a positive outcome and allows us to look at potential future use.
“Council will also continue to work with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) in connection with the master planning for the new Colac Specialist School.
“We thank the State Government for its support in reaching this significant milestone which will provide recreational space and opportunities for sporting facilities in the future to meet the needs and expectations of an increasing population.
“Colac’s 2050 Growth Plan identifies land to the south-west of the site for residential growth, and ensuring there is open space near existing and future housing is essential to creating a liveable and active community,” she said.
“Colac Otway Shire looks forward to planning for the next step in this exciting community project after the sale and land transfer is finalised.”