Articles by: Naomi Newcombe and Hannah Toohey
WE WILL WALK: Farmers consider firefighting future with proposed levy
District farmers are considering stepping down from their firefighting roles if a proposed levy is passed in parliament this week.
Bee industry remains vigilant
Dry conditions, potential varroa mite infestation and increasing costs are all impacting the bee industry in south-west Victoria.
Tehan to help rebuild
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has chosen not to stand for the Liberal Party leadership role but says he will continue to work hard rebuilding the party.
Stock collection still available
Dairy Farmers Victoria president and Larpent farmer Mark Billing says dead livestock collection is still available for local farmers, amid concerns for the service following a northern Victorian knackery stopping its pickups.
Housing solutions sought for dairy industry
A Victorian dairy support organisation is aiming to save the long-term sustainability of the state’s $3-billion dairy industry by identifying innovative housing solutions to attract and retain a workforce in dairy regions such as south-west Victoria.
Ratepayers to share thoughts on plan
Three Colac Otway community members will share their thoughts on the council’s proposed draft revenue and rating plan, which includes a 10-per-cent reduction of the farming differential.
Safety, traffic and noise concerns of proposal
A dangerous intersection, increased noise and inappropriate location are some of the reasons why Colac Otway residents are opposed to a Hungry Jack’s restaurant setting up in Colac.
Lock homes, cars to protect from theft
Colac’s top cop is reminding people to lock up their cars and homes.
Bay’s water restrictions increase
Apollo Bay and surrounds will enter Stage Three water restrictions from tomorrow, with the region’s water storages at just one-quarter full.
Colac CBD limit officially drops
Colac’s central business district speed limit has officially dropped to 40 kilometres an hour.
Councils back out of buying offsets
South-west councils are moving away from buying carbon credits and focusing on local initiatives to reduce emissions.
Accused pleads not guilty
A Colac man accused of allegedly murdering a man at Geelong last year has pleaded not guilty.
Report details farmland drop
Colac district farms have dropped more than four per cent in value, a shire-wide valuation indicates, but a Colac property agent says it’s not all doom and gloom.
MP on shortlist for leadership
Newly re-elected Member for Wannon Dan Tehan remains committed to pushing for local election-pledge projects, while advocating for drought relief for south-west farmers.
Special thanks for region’s specialists
Colac Area Health has celebrated its midwives this International Day of the Midwife with a special afternoon tea for families who have welcomed babies in the past 12 months.
Fourth childcare site proposed
Another childcare centre is being advertised for lease in Colac, helping to address the childcare shortage, but Colac Otway Shire Council has not received a planning application for the centre.
Ex-councillors have report say
Former Colac Otway Shire councillors have had their say on a municipal monitor’s report, pointing out factual errors as well as reasonable recommendations.
Frondly hello from former hospital palm
Five months on, a 130-year-old palm tree that once watched over the city of Colac is thriving in its new home.
Plan for bats moves on
Colac Otway Shire Council is going to “let nature take its course” and allow a colony of bats to remain roosting in heritage trees in the Colac Botanic Gardens.
BUCKLE UP: Worrying rise in kids without seatbelts
Colac police say the growing number of unrestrained children in cars is cause for concern.
Australia Day event returns
A celebratory event will return to Colac Otway Shire on Australia Day from 2026, following a tightly split vote by councillors.
Flags replaced at hospital
Colac Area Health has replaced its old and tattered flags at the hospital and Colac’s headspace.
Acting CEO to start Monday
Colac Otway Shire Council’s acting chief executive Andrew Tenni will begin in the role from Monday, after being appointed to the role during yesterday’s council meeting.
Budget boost for Colac yards
Colac’s saleyards would receive a big boost under Colac Otway Shire Council’s proposed 2025-26 budget.
