Colac Otway Shire

“The Colac Otway Shire is a richly diverse area located less than two hours west of Melbourne, linked by rail and a dual highway. 

Colac Otway is one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria, from its volcanic lakes, craters and plains in the north, to the lush forests of the Otway Ranges to the iconic Great Ocean Road coastline. 

About 21,000 people currently live in the Colac Otway Shire, with about 13,000 people living in the shire’s major industrial, commercial and service centre of Colac (Colac and Elliminyt). 

The City of Colac population is forecast to reach 20,000 by 2050, and Colac Otway Shire has a strategic plan to guide sustainable residential growth and infrastructure development. 

The second major urban centre is Apollo Bay, which has a permanent population of 1,800 (Apollo Bay and Marengo) that swells to more than 15,000 during the busy summer tourist season. 

More than 15 small towns and rural communities are spread across Colac Otway. 

The FIAP has allowed us to network with organisations that our people may need support from time to time, particularly in hardship scenarios.” – Colac Otway Shire