Articles by: Scott Barnes
Councillor dumped from committees
COLAC'S civic leaders have dumped a councillor as their representative on five community committees.
Council reveals travel claims
COLAC'S civic leaders claimed almost $60,000 in travel expenses last financial year.
Police thank heroic lifesavers
POLICE have thanked two surf lifesavers at an Apollo Bay ceremony for their heroic attempts to save a drowning man.
Council looks at entrance options
COLAC Otway Shire Council is exploring options to avoid a bottleneck at Colac’s eastern entrance when workers finish a Princes Highway duplication.
Councillor missing in action
COLAC Otway Shire councillor Chris Smith has defended his decision to miss two thirds of the council’s briefings and workshops.
Toddler’s new life and new brother
COLAC district toddler William Reilly is out of medical isolation after a life-saving transplant in time to welcome a new brother.
Shire CEO rejects pay rise
COLAC Otway Shire Council chief Rob Small has turned down a pay rise for a second time.
Cat loses leg in illegal trap
AN illegal trap has cost a family pet cat one of its leg and part of its tail
Tourist retreat is top business
THE owners of an Otways tourism business say evolving with their clients’ needs is the secret behind their new status as Colac and district’s best business.
Weekend fires prompt warning
AUTHORITIES have warned Colac and district residents to be more cautious when burning off after an ominous weekend of fires across the region.
Otways building might resume
WANNON Water says it is exploring financial support to develop plans that could restart building in Otways towns in less than a year.
Students volunteer overseas
LAVERS Hill student Krystal Steen is preparing to travel to Asia to work with orangutans, continuing a tradition of overseas charity work at her school.
Councillor might have broken law
COLAC'S mayor Lyn Russell says Cr Chris Smith might have broken a state law that carries a five-year jail term by leaking council documents.
Shire CEO defends pay packets
COLAC Otway Shire Council’s chief has defended his executives’ pay packets, saying they have increased in line with the council’s other staff.
Otways building at standstill
NEW home construction will remain at a standstill across the Otways until authorities change state laws or install a network of sewers.
Fine threat for business sign
A COLAC businessman says he is “disappointed” Colac Otway Shire Council is forcing him to remove a promotional sign from his property.
‘Pathetic’ process angers home builders
A COLAC district landowner says authorities have been “pathetic” in their handling of a process that’s blocking building in the Otways.
Council finances blowout
COUNCILLOR Chris Smith says a $2.78-million deficit has left him concerned about Colac Otway Shire’s finances.
Councillors support less red tape
A COLAC trader who installed new business signs in defiance of council rules has received support for calls to cut red tape on businesses.
Disability HQ will employ 34
AUSTRALIA'S new disability insurance scheme plans to move into a new $2-million office in Colac, employing 34 staff.
Students head overseas for battle
COLAC students will travel to Indonesia and Russia to compete in international robot battles.
Retailers doing it tough
COLAC retail businesses are doing it tough in “woeful” spending conditions, a Colac trader says.
Otways bike trail in danger
NEGOTIATIONS over the reopening of a Forrest bike trail are at a tipping point, with part of the trail in danger of permanent closure.
Red tape hurting economy
AN Otways business owner says a “crazy” building permit process is preventing growth and hurting the Colac district economy.
