Articles tagged: Federal Government
Overhaul to strengthen gun restrictions
Firearm ownership is set to look different across Colac and district after Australia’s national cabinet unanimously agreed to strengthen the country’s strict gun laws.
Limit backflip a ‘victory’: MP
The Federal Government has called off plans to lower speed limits to 70 kilometres an hour on regional roads, with a Colac district MP saying “common sense has finally prevailed”.
GP visits required for mental health rebates
Colac and district residents will now need to see their regular GP or medical practice to get Medicare-supported mental health treatment.
Boost for first buyers in Colac
Local industry leaders have backed changes to Australia’s first home buyer scheme.
Farm group wants stronger target
An agricultural environmental advocacy group says the Federal Government’s target to cut carbon pollution is set too low.
Government tops up rural loan program by $1 billion
The Federal Government says a funding boost for a loan program will help farmers across the region.
Proposal divides businesses
Colac district businesses have weighed in on a proposal that would allow employees to work from home at least two days a week.
Farmers need zero-interest loans
The federal Opposition is calling on the government to “step up to the plate” and reinstate interest-free loans to support drought-stricken farmers in Western Victoria.
Beef ban lifts, secure local industry
A farming body spokesperson has cautioned authorities about lifting restrictions on beef imported from the United States.
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.
Energy grants for manufacturers
Colac and district businesses will receive Federal Government grants to cut their energy costs and boost efficiency.
Federal funding available for sports organisations
Local sporting clubs and organisations can now apply to receive funding from the federal government to boost the return of regional sporting events.
Feds investigate rural mobile phone services
Colac and district residents can tell Federal politicians their concerns and ideas for improving telecommunications in regional areas.
MP calls for faster rollout
Corangamite MP Libby Coker says there needs to be less complacency and more urgency from the Federal Government, demanding action on the country’s vaccine rollout and quarantine facilities.
Ready to pound pavement
Residents of Elliminyt’s Tulloh Street can get to school more safely after the completion of a new footpath.
Big hopes for new velodrome
The Colac Cycling Club is on track to attract new members to the club with a new purpose-built velodrome.
Budget boost for telehealth
The Federal Government will invest more than $114 million to extend telehealth until the end of the year.
