Here is what is making news for December 19, 2025.===========================AKD has confirmed it is selling its plantation and carbon assets.

The decision is part of a strategy to focus on its four major sawmilling sites and strengthen its position in the timber industry. 
======================================================With hot weather expected this Christmas week, South West farmers and residents are urged to be aware of grassfire risks.

Grass Fires can travel up to 25 kilometres an hour and burn quickly through tall, dry grass. Short grass under 10 centimetres is much lower risk.
======================================================A Cobden dairy farm and its owner face nearly 30 charges over alleged illegal dam works on the property.

Southern Rural Water says the charges involve building a new dam and converting an existing irrigation dam without proper approval.
======================================================Police are counting it as a lucky escape after a serious crash near Port Campbell left a dual cab ute heavily damaged but its driver unharmed.
======================================================Corangamite Shire Council is considering installing security cameras at Lake Bullen Merri following a rise in illegal dumping at the North Beach area.
======================================================The Lake Colac Holiday Park will host a reopening event on January 10 celebrating the upgrades of its amenities and facilities.

Belgravia's Ash Hobson says the upgrades open the venue up to all travellers and the night is set to thrill locals.
======================================================Colac Otway Mayor Jason Schram has been elected Chair of the Geelong Region Alliance, known as G21.

Cr Schram will lead the regional advocacy body as it pushes for fair government investment across Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Geelong, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe.
======================================================AND IN SPORTFinal training sessions have been held for the regions young cricketers aspiring to play Country Week Cricket for Colac.
The teams will be released later today.

There is one under 17s team, two under 15s, three under 13s, one under 11s team.

Country Week begins on the fifth of January.
======================================================The Colac Turf Club's Christmas Races are back this weekend with a large crowd expected to turnout for the event.

Colac Turf Club's Maree Gannon says the warm weather forecast and the day moving back to late December should ensure a large turnout.
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