Articles by: Billy Higgins
Lockdown harms tourism economy
Lorne’s latest lockdown has worsened an existing worker shortage at the coastal town, which traders fear could impact businesses into summer.
Traders want jab certainty
Colac businesses want tighter enforcement of vaccination rules as the district opens up from COVID restrictions, amid concern traders will wear costs of enforcement.
Survey rubbishes Otways roads
Deans Marsh-Lorne Road ranked second and Skenes Creek Road was seventh from a survey of regional Victorian drivers about the state’s most dangerous roads.
Payment extension for traders
Surf Coast Shire Council will defer payment deadlines for hospitality businesses to ease financial stress during the pandemic.
Fonterra’s ownership review
Dairy co-operative Fonterra is considering selling off large chunks of its ownership to outside investors to raise capital for its New Zealand-based business.
Agroforester is for action
Deans Marsh farmer Kristy Stewart says it’s time agriculturalists had their voices heard in national climate discussions.
Online forum to improve herd
A cattle genetics body is inviting local farmers to learn more about how to improve their herds at an online forum this week.
New free TAFE courses available
Colac students will have increased access to free TAFE courses from next year after the State Government expanded its course offering.
State Government pulls forestry laws
The Victorian Government is back to the drawing board over controversial forestry legislation that would tighten regulations around timber harvesting.
Weekly green waste collection in Corangamite
Corangamite Shire Council will begin weekly green waste collection from next week and is encouraging locals to start their annual fire clean-ups.
Protecting eyes from sun can reduce damage
A Colac optometrist is encouraging people to protect their eyes from the sun and warning people about incidental sun damage due to lack of eye protection.
Rural round-up
New farmer wellbeing initiative launched, energy grants available and mentoring program opens.
Record donations delight club
Colac residents have dug deep despite the pandemic and donated in record numbers to the city’s Share the Dignity Drive.
Vital funds for Colac schools
Colac and district schools will share in $1 million worth of upgrades this year under recent State Government funding rounds.
Vaxxed Vics allowed to return
Vaccinated Victorians stuck in Sydney and Canberra can return home from the end of this month.
Business support extended
State Government support will continue for select businesses until the end of September as Colac and district traders continue to grapple with restrictive COVID-19 restrictions.
Council surplus down $1M during pandemic
Surf Coast Shire Council has performed $1 million worse than expected in the past financial year, as COVID-19 continued to impact the organisation.
Vaccine rule causes construction headache
Spence Construction director Matt Gibson says his business is in a “precarious position” as COVID-19 vaccination becomes mandatory for construction workers this week.
Camperdown house launches waste workshops
Camperdown’s community house has launched an online workshop series aimed at reducing food waste and saving local households money.
Tools down: Builders count cost of sudden shutdown
A major Colac construction employer says two thirds of its build sites have downed tools following a sudden shutdown of the industry for large parts of Victoria.
Hint of movement for pitches
Colac District Cricket Association president Steve Millar says work is on track to deliver five new cricket pitches to league grounds, and some could be ready for the start of the upcoming season. Grounds at Alvie, Pirron Yallock, Apollo Bay, Elliminyt and Central Reserve’s hockey fields are due for pitch upgrades under funding announced with […]
Firing up for a friend
A Winchelsea firefighter is honouring her late best friend this month when she climbs staircases across the district to raise money for mental health.
Cash cards: Colac initiative to boost spending at local businesses
Colac business leaders, employers and small businesses have teamed up for a grassroots, buy-local plan to pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into the city’s economy and accelerate the region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
$9.2M platform for Apostles
The Twelve Apostles is set to receive a $9.2-million upgrade after the State Government finalised plans for a lookout at the iconic coastal attraction.
