Council is seeking expressions of interest from prospective tenants for the Lake Colac Caravan Park, one of the main visitor accommodation sites in the township of Colac, following endorsement at the July Council Meeting.
"This site has so much potential in a growing area with plenty to offer visitors," said Mayor Kate Hanson. "It's situated a short walk from the Colac CBD with great cafes and restaurants, as well as being on the foreshore beside the beautiful Colac Botanic Gardens and Barongarook Creek."
"Families will love riding around the lake or just soaking up the peaceful regional atmosphere in the adjacent Botanic Gardens with its beautiful heritage-listed trees," said Mayor Hanson.
"You can't find this laid-back caravan park atmosphere many places anymore and it's ideally located in close proximity to the Great Ocean Road, as well as an hour from Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool and centrally located to explore the Otways and volcanic plains – this is a fantastic opportunity for a tourism operator to develop."
The caravan park has been operating under a 21-year lease due to expire on 26 January 2023, creating a new opportunity at this site.
"Council is seeking a proponent who will provide a capital investment into the caravan park," said Mayor Hanson, "which will positively impact on the growing tourism accommodation industry in the region.
As the site is located on Crown land, the length of term is limited to a maximum of 21 years without ministerial consent and the expression of interest includes a proposed term of 12 years.
Council will work with key industry partners, such as Regional Development Victoria and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism to help promote this opportunity.
A copy of the Expression of Interest documents can be downloaded from Council's website at www.eprocure.com.au/colacotway.
Expressions of Interest close at 2pm, Friday 23 September 2022. Submissions may be lodged in the Electronic Tender Box only. Late, posted or emailed tenders will not be considered.