Here is what is making news for December 17, 2025.===============================At its December meeting, Colac Otway Shire Council reaffirmed its opposition to rezoning land at Pound Road, Colac, for 50 social and affordable housing lots.

Council says the proposal doesn’t fit the neighbourhood character and concentrates social housing in one area, despite previous discussions with Homes Victoria. 
==============================================================Surf Coast Shire Council is moving into the next stage of planning to address the complex Fairhaven landslip on the Great Ocean Road.
==============================================================A remarkable new megafauna fossil area has been discovered along the south-west Victorian coast, uncovering clues to Australia’s ancient past.
==============================================================A new national coordinator has joined efforts to tackle feral cats and foxes, which threaten wildlife and farming in Colac Otway, Corangamite, and across Australia.

Feral cats and foxes kill billions of native animals and contribute to the extinction of many species, while foxes alone cost farmers over $198 million each year.
==============================================================This Thursday night the Colac Salvation Army will be opening its centre for the Jewish community and those affected by Sunday nights events at Bondi Beach.

Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says it's just about offering community support for those affected with trauma looking for someone to speak to.
==============================================================Transport Victoria has reminded travellers to plan ahead later this week with full extreme heat time tables to take place.

Due to the forecast temperatures, an Extreme Heat timetable will be running on the Geelong, and Warrnambool lines this Thursday.
==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Great Ocean and Otway Bike ride is back for 2026 with dates set for May 2.

The ride which travels through Forrest, Deans Marsh, Lorne and Skenes Creek is expecting more riders than ever.==============================================================Camperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been picked in the under 17s Victorian State netball team set to compete at the 2026 National Netball Championships.

The teams of 12 were selected following an extensive process that began in August, with initial squads of 50 refined to 25. 
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