From road resurfacing to park furniture and restored landmarks, Colac Otway Shire Council is delivering projects that that keep our public spaces welcoming for everyone.
Council has recently installed new park furniture on the Lake Colac foreshore and drinking fountains at Birregurra and Gellibrand, reinstated a historic landmark at Marengo and upgraded an Apollo Bay Street.
Work is also progressing on the restoration of the fountains in Memorial Square and in the Botanic Gardens.
Chief Executive Andrew Tenni said Council was focused in maintaining and enhancing public spaces across the shire.
"These are small but significant projects that make a difference in people's everyday lives, and contribute to the overall lifestyle that we enjoy in Colac Otway Shire," Mr Tenni said.
"Whether it's a new picnic setting by the lake or restoring a historic beacon on our coast, these improvements show Council's commitment to practical projects that matter to locals.
The delivery of the project to reinstate the historic beacon at Marengo involved working with the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and liaising with the Marine and Coastal Authority and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
"The community was passionate about returning the Marengo beacon to its rightful home, honouring our maritime history. It's great to see the beacon finally restored so its story can be shared with future generations"
Read about the projects below:
Lake Colac Foreshore park furniture
Council's Parks Team has installed new park furniture on the lake foreshore below the Colac Botanic Gardens, creating more comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the view.
This includes a picnic setting and a new park bench seat. Concrete bases and paths ensure these are accessible for wheelchair and pram users.
Colac fountain renovations
Work is underway to repair and refresh two iconic park fountains in Colac.
The decorative fountains at Memorial Square and Colac Botanic Gardens are receiving a deep clean, repairs, new lining and new pump equipment. The Memorial Square fountain will get new capping stones to restore its original character and finish.
Marengo Beacon reinstatement
Council has completed work to reinstate a historic marine beacon on the coast at Marengo.
The Marengo Beacon was built as an aid to navigation in 1858, soon after two shipwrecks on Haley Reef, an exposed reef 100 metres offshore of Marengo.
New electronic reef markers replaced the beacon in recent years, and Council staff removed the old structure. Council has now restored and reinstated the beacon as a monument to local history and a point of reference along the Great Ocean Walk.
A plaque at the site includes a QR code directing people to a website detailing the beacon's historical significance.
Pengilley Avenue reconstruction, Apollo Bay
Work is complete on the reconstruction of Pengilley Avenue in Apollo Bay, ensuring a safe and reliable road for the local community, businesses and visitors.
The project refreshed the section of road between McLachlan Street and Ramsden Avenue, featuring upgraded kerb and channel with improved intersections.
The $700,000 project, completed over five months, will ensure safe access to the local school, medical centre and library.
Council is currently putting out a tender to construct a second stage of road reconstruction in Pengilley Avenue, to occur early in 2026. These works will occur in partnership with several other road upgrades in Apollo Bay next year, including Ramsden Street, Montrose Street and Costin Street.
This is a significant investment in upgrading the standard of roads in urban Apollo Bay, and Council looks forward to securing contractors to undertake this work.
New drinking fountains
New drinking fountains have been installed at Birregurra Skate Park and Gellibrand's Rex Norman Park, providing fresh water access for skaters, families and visitors.
This project was a partnership with Barwon Water.
