Articles tagged: Federal Government
Budget praise, body says more needed
Rural advocacy bodies have welcomed elements of the Federal Government’s 2026-27 budget, despite cuts across areas impacting agriculture.
Federal budget skips regions
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has labelled the Federal Government’s fifth budget as “the budget of broken promises and cuts”.
Major drilling project greenlit
The State and Federal Governments have greenlit a major gas drilling project in the Otway Basin.
Safety upgrade for black spots
A notoriously dangerous intersection near Birregurra has received a $2.3 million safety boost.
Excise slash starts today, reducing fuel prices
A Colac motorist and fuel watcher hopes local service stations will pass on the savings announced under a country-wide petrol scheme.
Paddle to protest exploration
Environment groups across the Otways have condemned the Federal Government’s decision to open competitive bidding for gas and oil exploration, saying the move winds back years of community campaigning.
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.
