Apollo Bay customer service relocation planned for August
Colac Otway’s coastal residents and ratepayers will have improved access to customer service when Council relocates its customer service centre in Apollo Bay next month.
Colac Otway Shire Council’s Development and Community Services General Manager Ian Seuren said Council’s customer service centre would move from the shire’s Nelson Street building to the Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre in August after Council had worked through any issues the community had with the relocation.
“Council is confident that the community will benefit greatly from the relocation and all concerns are being considered, including the issue of privacy which we will address by having a separate desk for customers if they wish to discuss a confidential issue.
Mr Seuren said the Nelson Street office was open from 9am to 1.30pm five days a week and the move would provide the Apollo Bay and district community with access to Council’s customer services seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
“The decision to relocate the office will address feedback over the years from the community that the opening hours at Council’s Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre are not convenient,” he said.
“There were between three and seven people walking through the door a day at the Nelson Street building so it was not viable to open the office for longer hours.
“The relocation of our customer assist service at GORVIC will mean our community will have more convenient access during the week as well as weekends, which we believe could benefit our non-permanent ratepayers.
“We will trial the operating hours from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, and review our customer feedback and effectiveness.
“Council will retain the Nelson Street building and community groups who use the building, including the Apollo Bay Newssheet and Landcare, will still have access.
“We could also consider other potential uses which will benefit the community including a base for the Great Ocean Road Authority Head Office.
“Council is focused on hearing the community’s feedback about any issues they have as we get ready for the move.”
The relocation date will be announced as soon as possible, and residents are encouraged to attend a Community Conversation opportunity outside the Apollo Bay Bakery on Tuesday, July 9 from 10am to 11.30am or contact Council on 52329400 if they would like to discuss the relocation of the Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre.
