Articles by Jacob Traynor
Submitters to speak on Colac visitor services
More than twenty community submissions are calling for Colac’s Visitor Information to stay open – with seven people ready to lobby Colac Otway Shire Council further this week.
Report highlights Bay housing crisis
Apollo Bay has more than twice as many holiday stays than long-term rentals, a new report says, and is one of the hardest-hit towns in the country by Airbnbs.
Colac pokies players spend $31K a day
There might be a cost-of-living crisis, but Colac pokie players are on track to lose more money in a year than ever before – with more than $31,000 disappearing into local machines every day.
Proposed G21 funding cut lacks support
“We don’t have anything, yet here we are spending money that officers did not recommend, G21 did not ask for and will be an extra $20,000 year after year after year.”
Crime statistics show increase in reporting
The number of reported sexual offences in Colac Otway has almost doubled in 12 months, new crime data shows.
Budget change funds wishlist
Colac Otway Shire councillors have scrapped paying for carbon credits in 2024-25 and delivered 11th-hour funding for community wishlist projects.
Costly changes to elderly services
Changes to older persons services are set to cost Colac Otway Shire Council more than half a million dollars under the next budget.
Call for sculpture park revamp
Could Colac’s Sculpture Park receive a revamp ahead of its 40th birthday? At least one resident hopes so.