Here is what is making news for March 02, 2026.================================Authorities have confirmed that two pythons discovered at an Apollo Bay property on Monday were stolen.

An investigation into the incident revealed the reptiles had been taken from their rightful owner, who has since come forward. 
================================================================Nearly eighty percent of marine rescues are for avoidable issues like engine failure or running out of fuel.

Safe Transport Victoria's Shane Leversha says Before launching along the Great Ocean Road this Easter, check your batteries and ensure you have a third of your fuel in reserve.
================================================================Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester is demanding "less talk and more action" to combat the European carp crisis.

Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr. Chester backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push for a 2028 release date for the carp herpes virus.

He warned that the invasive species now makes up ninety percent of fish biomass in some waterways, destroying the biodiversity in places such as Lake Colac. 
================================================================Police are highlighting the power of home surveillance after an eighteen-year-old was arrested following a series of raids at Colac addresses.

The man has been charged with twelve offences, including burglary and thefts from vehicles across Camperdown and Warrnambool in March.
================================================================Colac Otway Shire is inviting residents to help shape the future of local travel.

Feedback is now open on a new draft policy to prioritise upgrades across sixteen-hundred kilometres of council roads.

Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says residents can visit the council website to have your say before Tuesday, May 5th.
================================================================Local Police will be out in force over the Easter Long weekend, with an increased presence and testing sites to be set up across the region.

Colac Police Spokesperson Jamie Kahle says Colac Police wants to ensure everyone stays as safe as they can this weekend through Operation Nexus.
================================================================Colac’s ambulance station is one of several regional branches welcoming new faces this week.

Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas says A cohort of twenty graduate paramedics has officially hit the road, with four specifically assigned to the Barwon South West region.
================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo CDFNL matches await this weekend with the 2025 Grand Final rematch between the Colac Imperials and Alvie Swans.

The Coastal Cup will also take place with Apollo Bay heading to Lorne.
================================================================Five talented Colac soccer players have been selected for the 2026 Geelong Representative teams.

Jasper Milner, Rocco Aylett, and Samuel Irunga join the elite squads, alongside Dash Bannan and Solomon Coventry, who have both been named captains of their respective age groups.
================================================================Lorne police are investigating a break-in at the Deans Marsh Cricket Club.

Intruders smashed windows to gain entry and stole a significant quantity of spirits and cider.

Authorities discovered a large amount of blood at the scene, suggesting an offender was injured during the crime.

Anyone with information on the theft or suspicious injuries is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
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