Articles tagged: State Government
Vehicle rego rebate to commence today
A move by the State Government to implement a 20-per-cent rebate on car registration costs will come into effect from today.
Youth events boosted across district
Events across Colac and district aimed at shining a light on the achievements of young people have received a well-deserved boost.
Intersection’s funding boost
Colac Otway Shire Council has made a successful bid to the State Government to secure funding to complete road safety upgrades at a notorious Elliminyt intersection.
Investment boosts vaccine program
Colac and district Year 10 students will soon be protected from meningococcal B, thanks to a State Government investment to make the vaccine free from next year.
Junior paramedic backs tougher laws
As Victoria moves to enshrine stronger legal protections for emergency service workers, local paramedic trainee Kurt Armistead says recent violent incidents have not shaken his resolve to pursue a career helping others.
Major drilling project greenlit
The State and Federal Governments have greenlit a major gas drilling project in the Otway Basin.
Colac Otway priorities miss out on funding support
There is a Colac Otway shaped black hole in the 2026-27 Victorian Budget, with little dedicated funding set aside for the region’s priority projects.
Government plans to rebate car regos
The State Government has announced a 20-per-cent rebate on car registration costs to combat the recent spike in fuel prices.
Power scheme set to pay off
Colac and district households will receive three hours of free energy every day from October as part of a State Government scheme to take the pressure off consumers’ power bills.
Funding boost for Barongarook
Barongarook Fire Brigade is set to have a brand-new station that could also act as a community hub for district residents.
Workplace group callout
Expressions of interest have opened for Colac and district people impacted by workplace deaths, serious injury or illness to join a statewide committee.
Homes headed for city
Work on a controversial public and affordable housing development at Colac’s Pound Road is expected to start next month.
Free kinder program is expanding
Preschool-aged children across the Corangamite Shire are among a wider group set to benefit from a kinder shake-up.
Free public transport for a month
The State Government has announced free public transport for every Victorian for a month, starting tomorrow.
Government cracks down on ram raids
Ram raiding offenders can now face up to 25 years in prison following the introduction of new State Government penalties.
Liquor licence fee relief for Otways venues following bushfires
Gellibrand River Hotel co-owner Dorthe Koorn says “every bit helps” amid this week’s State Government announcement of waiving and refunding liquor licence fees for bushfire-affected businesses.
Farmer reappointed to role, ready to respond
The State Government has reappointed Peter Tuohey as its rural assistance commissioner to continue supporting rural and regional farming communities.
Apology marks ‘new era’ but more action needed
A Colac Aboriginal leader has responded to the State Government’s formal apology.
New agency unlocks outdoor experiences
The Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Game Management Authority will no longer exist as separate agencies with the State Government announcing a new one-stop-shop.
BUDGET BLOW: State Government to ‘phase out’ critical P-12 funds
P-12 schools across the Colac Otway region are facing new blows to funding, despite some being set to welcome additional students in 2026.
More grants to support emergency service crews
Victoria’s emergency services have received a further funding boost through a new grant round.
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.
Worker protection welcomed
Colac business owners have welcomed new laws that are set to protect customer-facing workers across Victoria.
Pill testing service aims for less harm
With festival season well underway, Colac and district community members are encouraged to make informed health decisions with the continuation of the State Government’s mobile pill testing trial.
