Gas fright
A gas exploration company might begin exercising its permit covering part of Geelong and the Surf Coast, according to environmentalists.
Lock the Gate’s Chloe Aldenhoven said the boss of Lakes Oil, which counted “magnate” Gina Rinehart as a shareholder, had reportedly said the company would “move the focus” of its operations to southwest Victoria.
Coles closer
A new Coles supermarket cleared its last major hurdle after winning the support of an independent panel.
Geelong councillors this week agreed to seek a planning scheme amendment for the supermarket after the panel reviewed 16 submissions in support of the store and four against.
Mayoral review
A review of Geelong’s mayoral election process must be completed before the next council elections in 2016, a Liberal MP has told state parliament.
Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay said the existing system, which his previous coalition government introduced, had “been found to be wanting”.
Firebug fears
FIREFIGHTERS are alarmed a 15-year-old serial firebug has been repeatedly allowed back on Geelong streets.
Their union expressed concern after the teen, with 130 priors, was released from custody last week before lighting a fire at Corio two days later.
Bubs booming
GEELONG Hospital has opened a new specialist care nursery to cater for a baby boom across the region.
The $3.8 million nursery has boosted cot numbers from 13 to 20 as 600 babies are born in Geelong a year.
Royal flush
GEELONG Mayor Darryn Lyons was right royally flushed with pride yesterday when he received a thank-you note from Buckingham Palace.
“The Queen has asked me to thank you for your kind message of Christmas and New Year greeting,” her private secretary office director wrote to the mayor.
Train scare
Doors flew open on a V/Line train in Geelong yesterday, according to a passenger.
Barwon Rowing Club president Samuel Craig posted on Twitter that the 15.20pm service also lost power in the incident, which he described as a “bit dangerous”.
Universal appeal
Budding supermodels will battle at North Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel tomorrow night for a place in Miss Universe state titles.
Organisers said the Geelong preliminary heat contestants would compete in swimwear, eveningwear and “question and personality” sections.
