Colac Otway Shire Council has resolved to enter into a lease with a new operator for the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (COPACC).
The decision follows consideration of a report presented to this week's April Council Meeting outlining the outcomes of community consultation on a proposed lease with preferred operator, IVG.
CEO Andrew Tenni said in entering a lease with IVG, Council was focused on securing the long‑term viability of COPACC as a sustainable and accessible cultural and community centre.
"COPACC is a vital community hub and a major cultural asset for the shire" Mr Tenni said.
"Our focus is on ensuring the centre not only remains accessible and community‑focused but also thrives as a vibrant venue that attracts touring performances, provides high quality cinema services, supports local creativity and contributes to the local economy."
Mr Tenni said a new management model offered opportunities to strengthen programming and expand the range of events and activities hosted at COPACC.
"The centre already supports performances, community events, cinema, meetings and exhibitions. Under a new operating model, we see real potential to build on this foundation and grow its reach, impact and long‑term viability," he said.
Twenty-one submissions were received in relation to the proposed lease terms, and submitters were also provided the opportunity to address Council at a Submissions Committee meeting on 14 April.
Mr Tenni said Council carefully considered the feedback.
"The submissions demonstrated a strong community connection to COPACC, along with a real interest in ensuring its ongoing accessibility, affordability and sustainability."
Key themes raised through the submissions included community access, affordability, governance, financial impacts and the future sustainability of COPACC.
"It was valuable to hear the feedback from the community. We will incorporate a number of those important themes in our discussions with IVG," Mr Tenni said.
"Our intent is to establish an agreement that provides certainty for the community, protects Council interests and supports COPACC to grow as a valued cultural and civic space."
Proposed lease elements responding to community feedback include:
- Capped Council financial contributions. Council's financial contribution to be capped and clearly specified in the first two years of the lease, with no ongoing subsidy beyond the second year.
- Council to share in any operational profit generated through the delivery of services at COPACC.
- Provisions to support community access and use, access and diverse programming.
- A cap on hiring fees for community hirers.
- Defined performance and review mechanisms.
- Clear allocation of operational and maintenance responsibilities between Council and the operator.
The decision to enter into a lease with IVG follows an Expression of Interest process undertaken in 2025 to explore operating models that could strengthen COPACC's financial sustainability, preserve community access and enhance cultural and economic outcomes for Colac Otway Shire.
