Surf Coast Shire was established by an Order of the Governor in Council on 9 March 1994 by amalgamation of the Barrabool Shire and Winchelsea Shire and severances from the City of Greater Geelong and Colac Shire. This occurred as part of a statewide program of local government reform enacted between 1993 and 1995. The reform process reduced the number of councils from 210 to 78. The Shire is a body corporate and is divided into five wards: Anglesea, Torquay, Lorne, Moriac and Winchelsea. The purpose of the council is to: - provide for the peace, order and good government of its municipal district - facilitate and encourage appropriate development of its municipal district in the best interests of the community - provide equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community and ensure that those services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively - manage, improve and develop the resources of its district