Articles by: Jackson Graham
RATES DEBATE
Ratepayers could be facing a two-per-cent rate rise in Colac Otway Shire next financial year, with councillors set to vote on the proposed rise today.
Otway family back together
A sense of normality is returning for a Beech Forest family, after an eight-month ordeal that kept them a hemisphere apart.
Baby cousins share more than just a birthday
When cousins Mila McCarthy and Ted Baulch were due to be born eight days apart, their family joked of a possible shared birthday, but never wished for what would unfold.
Foreshore’s destruction continuing
High tides are again impacting the Apollo Bay foreshore and an action group wants a State Government commitment to safeguard the coast in its upcoming budget.
Farmers push for lower rates
Three dairy farmers are pushing for Colac Otway Shire Council to reconsider its draft rating strategy and cut farm rates next financial year.
Temporary roundabout perplexes motorists
A Colac resident says the site of an under-construction roundabout east of Colac is an “accident waiting to happen” and is calling for better lighting and signage.
More coastal erosion on Apollo Bay beach
Authorities say swells and high tides have washed away much of the sand workers replaced at Apollo Bay’s main beach to protect the coast against erosion.
Push for outdoor pool
A Colac school principal is questioning why the city no longer has an outdoor pool, and wants one to become a priority for civic leaders.
Attitudes shock cancer survivor
Breast cancer survivor Janice Johns knows the results of a mammogram can be lifesaving and is surprised when her peers avoid taking regular screens.
Call to bring back shire wards
A majority of submissions to a Victorian Electoral Commission review into Colac Otway Shire’s electoral structure have called for re-introducing a ward system.
Apollo Bay push for new centre for youngsters
Colac Otway Shire Council is pushing for $3.9 million for a new early-years hub for Apollo Bay that could be at the town’s P-12 college.
Council pushes for port cash
Colac Otway Shire Council representatives will meet with Victoria’s Ports Minister to push for a long-awaited safety upgrade to the Port of Apollo Bay.
Councillors divided over oil exploration
Colac Otway Shire Council will not join neighbouring councils opposing oil drilling in the Great Australian Bight, after four councillors voted against taking the position.
Emergency ward on new wish-list
Colac Otway Shire Council is pushing for a government commitment to upgrade Colac Area Health’s urgent care centre to an emergency department.
Businesses oppose proposal for Colac truck curfew
Colac Otway Shire Council could revisit a proposal for a bypass over Lake Colac, after local industry and trucking businesses rejected an idea to re-route trucks around Lake Colac.
Wild weather causes havoc on Ocean Road
Wild weather has swept sand onto the Great Ocean Road at Marengo, forcing authorities to dig out a coastal walking track.
Campaigners pushing to prevent pumping
Campaigners are heightening their opposition to Barwon Water’s groundwater pumping at Barwon Downs, as the water authority pushes to renew a licence to extract water from the site.
RSL backs memorial move
Apollo Bay RSL has backed plans to move the town’s war memorial to make way for a new roundabout, but a civic leader is calling for further community consultation.
Colac to have new entrances
Colac will soon have a revamped western entrance, with Colac Otway Shire Council finalising concept designs for a sign welcoming motorists.
Brigade taking on department site
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Eroding coastline an ongoing worry
A Marengo man says Mounts Bay’s coastline has receded about 20 metres since 1995, amid calls for long-term protections against erosion.
District remembers ‘kind and loving’ man
Tributes are flowing for Beeac’s Murray Howard, a grandfather, respected beef farmer and former district teacher, who died while swimming in the Lorne Pier to Pub.
Ruling against resort vindicates public campaign
An objector to a proposed Apollo Bay resort says the State Government’s decision to block the plan draws a “line in the sand” for the town’s future development.
Pink lake amazes from above
Bright colour changes to Colac district water bodies have captivated a pilot flying overhead.
