Articles by: Jena Carr
Less waste going to landfills
Colac Otway Shire’s rubbish burden has fallen by close to two per cent despite the end of soft plastic recycling.
Bruce Street subdivision opposed
A planning permit for a multi-lot subdivision in Colac is facing opposition, with Colac Otway Shire Council looking into the application’s next steps.
Camperdown blaze controlled
Eleven firefighting units banded together to help put out a fire near Camperdown.
Gas explosion at campsite
A gas bottle explosion at an Otway campground has prompted fire authorities to urge the Colac community to be careful when cooking this summer.
Patrols to extend for weekend
Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club is looking to set up patrols on an unmanned beach following the club’s busiest day for rescues this summer.
TAFE campus recruiting for Colac students
Colac’s South West TAFE campus has welcomed the public to learn more about the school through an information session.
Rooftop bar plan and parking cut for Bay pub
The Apollo Bay Hotel could get bigger, with the owners seeking planning approval for a rooftop bar and permanent beer garden, plus a reduction in car parking.
Colac’s average home values down eight per cent
Colac’s average property prices have eased eight per cent since July, but a local real estate agent remains positive that the market will improve.
Shop vacancies remaining low
Colac’s commercial vacancy rates remain steady despite recent shop closures across the region.
Low interest causes auction cancellation
A Camperdown home is available for private sale after the cancellation of an auction due to low interest. The three bedroom
Battle of the brigades at firefighting comp
Firefighters are heading to Lake Colac’s foreshore this weekend for a friendly battle of the brigades.
No progress towards World Heritage Listing
Calls to provide the Great Ocean Road with a World Heritage Listing seem to have fizzled out, with no recent progress.
Beach rescue numbers surge for area
Great Ocean Road region lifesaving authorities are urging people to remain safe around water as water rescue numbers increase.
Budget bid for surf club
Campaigners for a $15-million ocean safety school at Apollo Bay have their eyes set on this year’s state budget, following a raft of rescues and drownings across the state.
Scholarship help for four students
Four Timboon and Camperdown students have won scholarships for their positive contribution towards the community.
Church pays tribute to former Pope
Colac’s Catholic Church has honoured the life and service of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this week.
Summer market back at Birregurra
Birregurra residents can get out and enjoy the nice weather, with the town’s monthly market returning this weekend.
Fire helicopter on call to fight Otways fires
A water-bombing helicopter is back in Colac to help forest fire crews and volunteer firefighters tackle the flames this summer.
Tourism grows across region
Tourist numbers in the Great Ocean Road region have surged a quarter in the past year and spending is up by almost a third.
Continued support for wellbeing centre
Colac Area Health Foundation chair Max Arnott has welcomed a real estate developer’s donation to a planned wellbeing centre in Colac.
Coastal caravan park re-opens after upgrade
Skenes Creek Caravan Park has reopened for the holiday season after closing down for upgrades.
Dim sim shortage hits traders
Colac residents might need to look for alternatives to their lunch or dinner plans as chip and dim sim shortages affect the state.
Agents ready for massive weaner sale
It’s “full steam ahead” for Colac’s livestock agents in their preparation to sell about 4000 cattle at Colac’s major weaner sale for the year.
Fire chopper returning to protect Colac
A firefighting helicopter will return to the Colac airbase to help combat fires this summer.
