Articles by: Naomi Newcombe
Proposed cap is a fair go
Colac and district ratepayers can expect council rate rises to stay at or below 2.75 per cent, with the State Government revealing the latest rates cap.
Woman’s guilty plea over Beeac shooting
A Colac woman accused of setting a shooting incident at Beeac in motion has pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury.
Think twice before removing kids’ jumps
New research says local councils should think about the social, educational and health benefits of homemade bike jumps before demolishing them.
Overall fall, but violence rises
Colac’s top cop says the shire remains an “overwhelmingly safe place to live”, with the latest data showing a reduction in crime.
Elliminyt project on track
It’s full steam ahead on the Elliminyt Wetlands project despite recent wet weather.
Outrage as dumping spikes
A spike in illegal rubbish dumping has sparked community outrage and a warning from Colac Otway Shire Council, with reports of discarded waste increasing more than 20 per cent over the past year.
Campers must book online at Meredith Park
People looking to camp at Meredith Park for more than 24 hours will have to secure their spot on Colac Otway Shire Council’s new online booking system.
Festive tradition making a move
Colac’s community Christmas lunch is set for a new chapter next week when the get together moves to the Colac Neighbourhood House.
Cop callout after cattle theft
Colac Police are appealing for information following the theft of almost 40 cattle from a Colac West farm this month.
Colac Otway mayor to lead advocacy group
Colac Otway Shire mayor Jason Schram says his new role as head of the G21 Geelong Region Alliance will bring the shire to the forefront of advocacy.
TEN YEARS ON: Wye community to commemorate devastating fires
The Wye River community is regathering a decade on from devastating fires, residents say.
Safety fears for closed refuge
Lorne residents say the decision to temporarily close one of the town’s bushfire places of last resort leaves residents, campers and tourists south of the township vulnerable to fire.
Community centre open for reflection
Colac Salvos’ Community Centre will open tomorrow night for residents to gather, receive support and reflect on Sydney’s mass shooting.
‘Spawning event’ killed carp in lake and creek
Dead carp have been found on the banks of Lake Colac and Barongarook Creek, but authorities say the long-awaited carp virus isn’t the cause of the mass death.
Tougher sentences for youths
Colac and district youths accused of serious crimes could be headed for a higher court with the introduction of new legislation cracking down on youth offending.
Police probing weekend crash
Police are investigating a single vehicle crash at Irrewillipe East.
Council ditches plan for bus ban
Colac Otway Shire Council will not go ahead with a plan to restrict buses from parking on Colac’s main street.
FIGHT NOT OVER: Council to continue Pound Road housing advocacy
“Our message to the community is sorry our advocacy wasn’t nearly good enough this time, but we’ll still keep at it.” Colac Otway Shire Council has expressed its disappointment in Homes Victoria for ignoring suggestions and comments made to improve a social and affordable housing development in the city.
Colac’s kindness assisting women and girls in need
Colac community members have helped make Christmas a little bit brighter for women and girls in need.
Barongarook gun burglary
Detectives are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding a burglary at a Barongarook property where multiple guns were stolen.
PROJECT WISH LIST: Council to discuss advocacy priorities at final meeting
Colac Otway Shire Council is set to lock in a detailed list of advocacy projects at its final monthly meeting of the year tomorrow - something officers say hasn’t been done for “some time”.
Housing plan back on agenda
Colac Otway Shire Council will once again take a stance against a proposed social and affordable housing development in Colac’s Pound Road.
Extended pause on fire levy payment
The start date for the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund increase has been pushed back two years, a state budget update has revealed.
Parking hurdle for proposed Bay gym
An Apollo Bay business owner says his proposed gym would get young people off the streets, learn new skills and stay out of trouble.
