COLAC

city, southern Victoria, Australia, on the southern shore of the shallow, 10 1/2-sq-mi- (27-sq-km) Lake Colac. Founded in 1837 and proclaimed a town in 1859, it became a borough and shire in 1864 and a city in 1960. Colac serves as the market for a closely settled region that produces onions, grains, flax, livestock, dairy products, and poultry. Its manufactures include farm tools, bricks, and flax products. Timber comes from the Otway Ranges to the south. Connected to Melbourne, 85 mi (137 km) to the northeast, by rail and the Prince's Highway, the city draws visitors to its agricultural exhibitions, drama productions, and the Kanyana Athletics Festival (March). Pop. (1981) 10,587.