Articles by: Jacob Traynor
Colac’s commercial sector continues to grow
Colac’s biggest empty business could become home to multiple retail spaces, while work on the city’s new Hungry Jacks will likely start at the end of the month.
State coastal law could hamper EV chargers
A coastal authority says it backs new electric vehicle fast charging options at Apollo Bay where able.
From mattresses to health hub
A central Colac building that once housed a mattress retailer and furniture store will likely become a key hub for allied health services.
Shark sighted in Lorne, swimmers evacuated
Hundreds of beachgoers have been ordered out of the water following a shark sighting at Lorne yesterday.
More jobs filled across shire
Unemployment has dropped in Colac Otway Shire, latest data shows, while a Colac training expert is confident about employment across the district in 2026.
Discount store is rescued
Jobs in Colac have been saved after a discount store chain was bought up after falling into administration.
High hopes for city’s annual sale
Colac district’s premier livestock sale will be split across two days for the first time, with hundreds of buyers arriving in the city as thousands of animals go under the hammer.
Electric vehicle tourists facing long waits to spark up
Great Ocean Road visitors in electric vehicles are stuck waiting in line for hours to use the town’s public fast charger.
Renaissance for Colac’s arcades
The newest owners of iconic shopping arcades in Colac want to continue breathing new life into the complex.
Smaller solutions for housing
A housing solutions supporter says a concept being pioneered in the United States could help the crisis in Colac Otway Shire.
Police charge toy thieves, owner thanks public
Authorities have caught up with two men accused of breaking into a Colac toy shop just days before Christmas.
Busy time on district roads
A man has been airlifted to hospital and a woman has freed herself after rolling her vehicle in separate Christmas period crashes.
Injured man seeks payout
A man who injured his spine working at a Colac meat processor has received the green light to claim a payout.
Opportunistic thieves targeting cars and bikes
Colac police are asking residents to lock their cars amid a recent spike in thefts from vehicles across the city.
TEN YEARS ON: Wye community to commemorate devastating fires
The Wye River community is regathering a decade on from devastating fires, residents say.
Call for more education on using centre’s facilities
A mother who has a son with disabilities is calling on the community to leave facilities to those who need them.
Shouldn’t have to wait: council
Colac Otway Shire Council says it should not need a cultural heritage permit for minor routine safety works on a key rural road.
Credits are costing farmland
An Irrewarra farmer says water authorities and other agencies should be spending on infrastructure and conservation instead of carbon sequestration.
Last day to have say on housing
People have until today to provide feedback on a plan to rezone cemetery land to develop 50 social housing dwellings in Colac.
Time starts ticking for budget wishlist
Colac Otway Shire Council wants ideas on what to fund under its next budget and people can have a say from today.
Text offender sent to prison
A gambling addict who lied and took $15,000 from a Colac district woman he was messaging has been jailed for nine months.
Trucks chewing up local link
Barongarook residents say heavy truck movements from a sand quarry are frequently tearing up a local road, with potholes being filled weekly.
Housing feedback closing
People have until Monday to provide feedback on a plan to rezone cemetery land to develop 50 social housing dwellings in Colac.
Letters to the editor
Letters to the editor, November 19
