Council identifies more than $10 million of priority projects
Published on 30 January 2018
Council identifies more than $10 million of priority projects for the region
Colac Otway Shire Council will push for funding over 30 major projects including $1.3 million for the Lake Colac Foreshore Master Plan, $1.35 million toward local roads upgrades and maintenance and $450,000 to the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct redevelopment.
Mayor Joe McCracken said that Council has been strategic in determining key infrastructure and planning projects which will 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,” Cr McCracken said.
“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”
Past advocacy by Council has resulted in major projects such as the recently completed CBD Revitalisation Project being funded, and legislative changes like a ban the exploration and development of unconventional gas being achieved.
“Council’s tenacity in rallying politicians is paramount to getting extra funding or support for projects Council rate payers could simply not afford, but deserve to have,” Cr McCracken said.
“The Priority Projects have been 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.”