Here is what is making news for August 19, 2026.======================================Locals in Colac and Weerite will benefit from stronger freight routes, with upgrades to three bridges on the Princes Highway West now complete.

The fifteen point one four million dollar project has strengthened forty-year-old rail bridges at Weerite, Allansford, and Dennington.

The Australian and Victorian governments jointly funded the works to handle modern traffic volumes and heavy vehicles. 
============================================================================Growing demands for artificial intelligence have sparked fears in the south-west that prime agricultural land could be sacrificed for power infrastructure.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the region must not be industrialised to feed energy-hungry data centres in Melbourne.

With global data centre electricity use expected to double by twenty thirty, local leaders are demanding a seat at the table for planning decisions to ensure food security and farming remain the top priority.
============================================================================Colac Area Health has successfully hosted its third research symposium, focusing on a range of local health issues.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Brew says strong partnerships with nearby education organisations mean Colac continues to punch above its weight in medical research.
============================================================================Barwon South West residents are being urged to take precautions against swooping birds as spring approaches.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says swooping is a natural, temporary behaviour used by native birds to protect their young.

Wildlife emergencies manager Tony English says people should avoid known hotspots, move calmly, and wear protective headgear. 
============================================================================A new bushfire prediction model developed by the CFA could offer greater protection for communities along the Great Ocean Road.

CFA Predictive Services Specialist Andy Ackland has created the Fuel Availability Factor, an alternative to drought indexes that have been used for sixty years.

By analysing soil moisture data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the new system offers a more accurate picture of landscape dryness. 
============================================================================Land has been set aside for a new Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club facility, but funding is still needed.

Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says a permanent home is long overdue, with the club now lobbying all levels of government to secure the necessary construction money.
============================================================================South-west Victorian clubs have dominated the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence, taking home a raft of major honours.
Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club won the President’s Award for its outstanding response to flash flooding at Wye River.

Apollo Bay's Evelyn Lyons was named Member Trainer of the Year.

Lorne Surf Life Saving Club’s Lucas Karlson won the Youth Lifesaver of the Year, while Heath Armstrong won the Membership and Leadership Development Award.

Port Campbell’s James Green took home the Graeme Long Memorial Medal Volunteer of the Year. 

Finally, Heather’s Swim School became the first private facility in Victoria to achieve gold status in the state Pool Safety Assessment.
============================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Kookas have officially announced their men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming twenty twenty-six Country Basketball League season.

Twelve athletes have been selected for the women's team, including Jessica Anderson, Indi Cameron, Isla Casey, and Nikki Clover.

The men's squad features fifteen players, with Luka Gerber, Isaac Moran, Nate Parker, and William Smith among those representing Colac.
============================================================================The Colac Braves have wrapped up their 2026 baseball season with its results from last weekend.

Division 1 went down 12-0 against the Guild All Stars.

The Division 3 side went down 18-5 to the Corio Tigers.
============================================================================Apollo Bay Cricket Club has announced its second signing for the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven season, welcoming Owen Birchley.

Arriving from Martley Cricket Club, the top-order batsman and leg-spin bowler boasts over two thousand runs and nearly two hundred wickets.============================================================================Western Eagles ruckman Elijah Reid will spend the summer up north after signing with Darwin based Wanderers Football Club.

Reid will be joined by fellow Eagles on-baller Luke Fish for the upcoming Northern Territory Football League Season.
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