Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

Built Form which will focus on proposed built elements
as well as public open spaces. A feasibility study will
also be undertaken to assess investment opportunities
for both the private and public sector.
Colac Otway Shire Mayor, Cr Warren Riches said the
Draft Master Plan would manage change in a
sustainable way.
"Apollo Bay is a designated growth node along the
Great Ocean Road," Cr Riches said.
"Therefore, it's important we have plans in place so we
have some control over and guide for future
development.
"Tourism is an important link to future economic
growth and with the growing demand for high quality
facilities likely to increase, the redevelopment of the
Harbour will assist in encouraging people to come all
year 'round and stay longer.
"The important thing is to get the balance right for
Apollo Bay and this plan is a step towards that."
CEO Tracey Slatter said it was unlikely that a full scale
development would happen in the short term.
"More realistically a more minimal level of
development may occur in the short to medium term,"
Ms Slatter said.
"However, it important that the master plan looks at
what might be possible in the longer term so the limits
of possible development are spelt out now.
"The future of various elements of the Plan such as the
marina berths, commercial buildings and hotel depend
on market demand.
"This means that if they are not commercially feasible
they would not be built.
"Ongoing community involvement at each stage is
critical, as the overwhelming message is 'proceed
carefully', so that what is special about Apollo Bay is
not lost."

Apollo Bay Community Bank® Branch
Your Bank is on the right track
Your Apollo Bay Community Bank® will be joining the
strength with the announcement of the 200th
Community Bank® Branch which was opened in
Dromana last Friday.
The Dromana community had worked on its campaign
for just over 12 months and received generous support
from locals, who bought $1 million in shares in the
company in just one week. To raise $1 million locally in
a week is a phenomenal effort. It is evidence of the
community's true belief in the Community Bank®
model and the impact it can have on local
communities.
By comparison, in our smaller community of Apollo
Bay, we have raised $650 000 in pledges in about 8
months, which according to Bendigo Bank officials is a
great result. The Steering Committee is now in the
process of preparing a Business Plan.
Since the launch of the first Community Bank®
branch in 1998, the balance sheets of these early
branches are becoming more and more robust. Not
only are these branches reporting healthy financial
profits, they are also making significant contributions to
their communities.
During the past four years the number of Community
Bank branches has doubled and customers have
tripled their commitment of banking business to our
network, with more than $9 billion of business within
the Community Bank® branch network.
In terms of community contributions, more than $8.6
million has been returned to community projects and
$5.4 million has been paid in dividends to local
shareholders.
Across Australia, the Community Bank® network has
51,000 local shareholders, almost 1500 directors
(mostly volunteers) and has directly created 950 jobs.

75th Anniversary of the Opening of the Great Ocean Road 23rd to 26th November 2007
Apollo Bay Transport yourselves back to 1932, you will see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Peter Pan winning the Melbourne Cup, the ABC being launched, the SS Casino sinking at Apollo Bay (the Casino was the lifeline to Apollo Bay), and the great Ocean Road being officially opened.
To mark this amazing and significant time in our history, the Chamber of Commerce, with the support of community groups in Apollo Bay and the Colac Otway Shire, is planning a celebration which we hope will bring a smile to your dial. For further information please contact 0417 526 070.

Consultation Opportunity -
Draft Municipal Fire Prevention Plan
The Draft Municipal Fire Prevention Plan (MFPP) is now available for public comment. The draft MFPP addresses Council's statutory requirement under the Country Fire Authority Act.
Copies are available at the Shire's Customer Service Centres in Rae Street, Colac and Nelson Street, Apollo Bay, via the website or Colac Library. Any person may make a written submission in accordance with Council's Community Consultation and Engagement Policy. Written submissions should be lodged no later than Monday, July 30, 2007 and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, Colac Otway Shire, PO Box 283, Colac 3250. Persons making a submission should state whether they wish to be heard in support of their submission. Any person who has made a written submission and has requested to be heard will be given the opportunity to address Council at 10.30am, Wednesday, August 22 at COPACC.

Draft Rural Land Strategy
The Draft Rural Land Strategy, now available for public
comment, addresses a range of rural land use issues
and provides recommended planning scheme
responses. Copies are available for inspection at the Shire's
Customer Service Centres in Rae Street, Colac and
Nelson Street, Apollo Bay, via the website or Colac
Library. Any person may make a written submission in
accordance with Council's Community Consultation
and Engagement Policy. Written submissions should
be lodged no later than Monday, August 6, 2007 and
forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, Colac Otway
Shire, PO Box 283, Colac 3250.
Persons making a submission should state whether
they wish to be heard in support of their submission.
Any person who has made a written submission and
has requested to be heard will be given the opportunity
to address Council at 1pm, Tuesday, August 14.
Community information Sessions
Community information sessions will be held on the
following dates to provide information to the
community on the Draft Rural Land Strategy.
Purpose - The Community Information Sessions will
allow interested community members to drop in at their
convenience and view information on the strategy,
speak to consultants and Council staff and record their
feedback in writing.
Colac - COPACC
Tuesday, July 17 between 4pm to 8pm
Gellibrand - Gellibrand Hall
Wednesday, July 18 between 4pm to 8pm