The future of camping at a popular lake south west of Melbourne is assured following a survey which showed overwhelming community support.
Colac Otway Shire Council survey said the results of its poll revealed 93% of respondents favoured camping continuing at Meredith Park at the Lake Colac reserve.
The council will now invest in a detailed management plan for Meredith Park, which is a popular camping spot on the lake’s northern shore.
The plan will examine potential park upgrades, a booking system, and long-term camping arrangements.
The survey also highlighted concerns about the quality of infrastructure and cleanliness at Meredith Park, including capacity of the toilets.
Meredith Park is a popular camping spot. PIC: Colac Otway Shire Council
Respondents asked for improvements such as designated camping spaces, toilet upgrades and waste management changes, which will be addressed in the management plan.
A petition supporting free or low-cost camping at Meredith Park was also received by Council at the February 2025 meeting.
Council spends an estimated $140,000 a year managing and maintaining Meredith Park, and the management plan will examine whether there should be a modest fee for campers to help cover this cost.
General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren thanked the community for sharing their views on Meredith Park’s future.
“We appreciate the community taking the time to tell us what matters … it’s clear people are passionate about Meredith Park and they want to keep enjoying it,” Mr Seuren said. “Meredith Park is a special place for locals and visitors alike, for fishing, boating and camping, and Council is committed to ensuring we protect its natural beauty and it is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
Mr Seuren said the management plan would aim to ensure the reserve remained safe, clean and sustainable.
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It is a great use of the space. Making it safer and cleaner can only be a good thing.
Happy to pay a small fee for access if it helps maintain and improve facilities
They should like Nomads. Last time I was there I got my car serviced plus other things. Total spend well over $2000
We’ve dropped into this pleasant campsite on several occasions in our travels in Victoria. We’d be happy to pay a fee or donation but not to have a booking system.
Some Councils/Communities/State’s (maybe) understand that the most important Economic Asset anywhere are The People. Or to put it more succinctly, ‘No People, No Pub’. Treating people like Lepers is a pretty sure-fire way to make the stay away.
Keeping fees easily affordable will obviously attract ‘Grey Nomads’ and others, and they in turn will spend money in the Township. That can only be of benefit to all, and it will also result in ‘word of mouth’ advertising to further the benefits.
“Treating people like Lepers…” Yeah, and people treating campsites like a right and inappropriate behaviours are a sure way of gettig them closed. It’s a two way street.
Yes we’ve stayed there a couple of times. Great central point for exploring the GOR. Unhook your van and spend two or three days exploring the area. Weather can be awful at times though.
Yes we’ve stayed there a few times. it is great central point for exploring the GOR. Unhook your van and spend two or three days exploring the area. Weather can be awful at times though and the people in town are very nice.
oh and people do spend money in town, and what would be could a damp point
Lovely place to stay. No need to formalise camping sites. Would happily pay $5 pp per night – same as Green Hill Lake at Ararat ((honesty box).
Yes, stayed twice was very peaceful & well off any closest highway. I would be prepared to pay a fair fee relative to the standard of amenities provided.
Stopped there 3 times for 2 nights each. Spent heaps locally in Colac for fuel, restocking food, hardware store, chemist, and one meal out each time. Please don’t formalise anything, the informality is the attraction. Too many locations are too structured and formalised these days, and guess what … that is what costs money to maintain and run.