Farm loans double in west

Low-interest loans that help farms through drought conditions have doubled in south-west Victoria, with Colac Otway and Corangamite among the areas with the most applications.

Drought prompts rates deferral

“It’s not a gift or a hand-out – it’s just a bit of a slow-down, a pause to help get through to an easier time.”

A Colac Otway Shire councillor is encouraging farmers impacted by the green drought to make contact about deferring their rates payments.

Potential lifeline for district

The proposal of a “world-first” reform to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia could positively impact the Colac district on days of an emergency.

Colac Otway waits for project funding

Colac Otway Shire Council is awaiting the finalisation of a funding agreement to start creating a blueprint for future housing delivery in regional communities.

Elliminyt pavilion’s potential upgrade

Upgrading Elliminyt Recreation Reserve’s crumbling pavilion could boost off-field community use and help attract housing in Colac, a report says.

Car mandate improves safety

A local road safety advocate and car dealership principal have weighed in on the Federal Government mandating reversing technology like cameras and sensors for all future vehicles.

Federal boost for shire roads projects

Local roads and community infrastructure in the Colac Otway, Corangamite and Surf Coast Shires will have an extra boost with from Federal Government funding.

Timboon bridge replacement funded

Timboon’s Digneys Road will get a bridge upgrade thanks to a $560,000 windfall from the Federal Government.