Customer service relocation will provide seven-day access for Apollo Bay
Colac Otway’s coastal residents and ratepayers will have improved access to customer service from July 1 when Council launches a new initiative in Apollo Bay.
Colac Otway Shire Council’s Corporate Services Errol Lawrence said Council’s customer assist service will move from the shire’s Nelson Street building to the Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre at the end of next month.
The Nelson Street office has been open from 9.00am to 1.30pm five days a week and the move will provide Apollo Bay and district community with access to Council’s customer services seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
“Council has received feedback over the years from the community that the opening hours at Council’s Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre are not convenient,” Mr Lawrence said.
“With about seven people walking through the door a day at the Nelson Street building it was not viable to open the office for longer hours.
“The initiative to operate our customer assist service at GORVIC will mean our community will have more convenient access during the week as well as weekends which could particularly 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 we can look at other potential uses which will benefit the community including a base for the Great Ocean Road Authority Head Office.
“Council has been lobbying to have the GOR Authority Head Office in Apollo Bay, which would create employment and provide a real boost for the town through the establishment of a new State Government agency hub,” he said.
“But Council’s focus at the moment is getting the message out about our new extended customer service at a central location with great access for everyone, and there will be opportunities for the community to provide feedback about any issues they have as we get ready for the move.”
