Articles by: Jacob Traynor
Four-month jail sentence for serial Colac thief
A Colac thief who stole bikes, e-scooters and cannabis has been sentenced to four months in prison.
CROSSROADS: Cressy crossing deemed safe, MP calls for upgrade
Cressy’s state MP has called on the government to immediately install more warning systems at the rail crossing where two Colac district men died last month.
FUNDING GAP: Brigade grant covers coffee, stationery, toilet paper
A Colac district fire brigade that battled blazes in the Otways and at Skipton last month received just $381 from the State Government last year.
Green boost for farmers on agenda
More than $80,000 could be available for planting trees on Colac Otway Shire farms under a proposed new grant scheme.
Recovery funding for Otways schools
Eight primary schools in the Otways region will receive more than $320,000 to help boost mental health and wellbeing for students after bushfires.
Bay demolition project to deliver new public space
Demolition works have kicked off at Apollo Bay, with construction on the town’s harbour redevelopment set to start in coming months.
Shoring up local production
Colac’s largest manufacturer has officially opened a huge new production facility.
Funding snubs Crash Corner
Barwon Downs residents say their dangerous and neglected main street has been ignored under a $250-million hinterland road fund.
Water restored for fire-affected town
Officials have restored safe, high quality drinking water supply to household taps at Gellibrand.
Drinking water back at Gellibrand
Safe, high quality drinking water supplies have been reinstated to Gellibrand, with customers now able to freely use their property taps.
Power is back, water on way
Service crews have worked to rebuild key powerlines servicing hundreds of properties in the Otways and are close to restoring drinking water to a fire-affected town.
Leaders unite for new board
A longtime nurse, a community banking expert, a media guru and a local government chief are among faces on the board of one of Colac’s preeminent charities.
Big praise for group effort
More than 170 firefighters have called Central Reserve their temporary home, with an impressive operation set to remain for coming weeks.
Forrest firm to take on creek’s transformation
Colac Otway Shire Council has appointed a shire-based firm for a major rewilding project along Barongarook Creek.
Surface upgrade on track at square
Colac’s Memorial Square is set for a footpath upgrade in April and May, but officials say there will be no major upheaval.
Court in brief
Disqualified driver fined for repeat road offences
Road safety fears at new Ondit quarry site
Residents near a new quarry site at Ondit say safety at a crossroads has been further compromised, and a serious crash is a matter of “when, not if”.
Security footage captures burglary in Colac
Detectives are investigating a break-in and theft at a Colac property, with security footage capturing a prowler during the burglary.
Armoured police raid Beeac home
An armoured “BearCat” police vehicle has helped in the raid of a Beeac property, with police seizing multiple firearms including a sawn off shotgun.
New measles alert for Bay and coast
Health officials are asking people to monitor for measles symptoms, with 10 new coastal exposure sites listed between Wye River and Princetown.
CONTAINED: threat reduced, but stay alert
Emergency service crews have worked around the clock to bring the Carlisle River bushfire under control.
Federal minister visits Colac
Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain has praised the response to bushfires in Colac Otway Shire, with tens of millions in funding announced for recovery.
Major economic plan kicks off
Officials want community input for a major five-year plan, with workshops happening this week.
Roadworks could hurt trade, chamber says
Apollo Bay traders say roundabout works in the town will strip a shopping precinct of much-needed parking and impact businesses during the build phase.
