Visitation to Simpson and Timboon, the hinterland towns off the Great Ocean Road is expected to increase as more tourists take to the region.

Corangamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter has invited the public to contribute to a new plan to help guide the future of the south-west and capitalise on opportunities presented by the growing number of visitors.

"It's been known for a while that a lot of properties are being turned into accommodation like Airbnbs and taking a lot of rental properties out of the market," he said.

"If we want to attract people to the area then we're going to need the housing, and at the moment there's a shortage of rental properties in the shire.

"Part of the study we're doing into Simpson and Timboon we are looking at opportunities where we can look at establishing, or getting state help to increase housing stock in the area and do some long-term planning.

"In the last couple of years for example there were 30-odd houses for sale in Timboon, now we're down to half a dozen.

"We need to secure key services to the Great Ocean Road and surrounding hinterland, and we're inviting people to have their say."

Cr Trotter said visitation to the region was forecast to grow four percent annually to reach 8.6 million visitors by 2026-27.

He said lack of housing or rental availability was beginning to impact communities in the south of the shire.

"There are some major projects on the horizon for both areas," he said.

"This includes the extension of the rail trail to Port Campbell, Glenample Visitor Experience Centre, Twelve Apostles Hot Springs and Resort, and potential future development of the former Kraft factory site in Simpson.

"This project looks at ways council can supply worker accommodation, more rural lifestyle properties, and free up larger housing for the family market," he said.

Cr Trotter encouraged Simpson and Timboon residents to look at the Issues and Opportunities Paper online or in hardcopy at Corangamite Shire offices in Camperdown, Timboon Library and Simpson Post Office.

Residents can complete an online survey or attend one of the public drop-in sessions any time between 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Simpson Bowls Club on March 5 or Timboon Senior Citizens Centre on March 6.

"Community feedback will inform the final report for the project," he said.

Submissions close Friday March 14.

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