Briefs

Workers tip shells into Corio Bay to repair local reefs. (Simon Branigan)

 

Fish boost

Two separate fish habitat restoration projects in Barwon Estuary and Corio Bay have received $299,000 and $298,000 respectively, in federal funding.

Geelong-based federal senator Sarah Henderson said the projects were crucial for restoring fish habitats to the benefit of recreational fishers and local community.

PSO stoush

State government has voted down opposition amendments for a minimum deployment of two protective services officers (PSO) at Geelong railway station from 6pm until the last train service.

Shadow Police Minister David Southwick said the PSOs would help prevent offences at or near Geelong train stations, which he said were up 74 per cent in five years.

But a government spokesperson said the opposition amendments would have undermined the operational independence and flexibility of Victoria Police.

Bushfire exercise

Emergency management specialists responded to mock bushfires across Geelong and the Surf Coast yesterday.

About 25 specialists put their skills to the test in the multi-agency training exercise in preparation for the fire season.