in brief

TAC transition
TAC will open a “transitional office” with 100 jobs before the end of the year to prepare for the organisation’s full relocation to Geelong in 2009.
TAC chief executive officer Paul O’Connor told a business breakfast this week that the office would make the move easier for Melbourne staff.

Course approval
State Government has approved plans to carve up the former Geelong Golf Club course for residential development after a five-year battle.
Rod Macdonald, who holds the planning portfolio on Geelong’s council, called the Links Living redevelopment plan an “exciting development”.

More algae
Another outbreak of toxic algae has closed more of the Barwon River in Geelong.
Authorities have warned people to avoid contact with the water between West Fyans boat ramp and Queens Park after last week putting another stretch of the river off limits further downstream.

Snakes seized
Wildlife officers have seized two boa constrictors up to 2.75 metres long from a Norlane house.
A Department of Sustainability and Environment spokesperson said a 26-year-old man faced charges over the boas as well as two native snakes also found in the raid.

Bypass named
State Government has officially named Geelong’s bypass Princes Highway-Geelong Ring Road.
The Government announced the name as local MP John Eren officially opened a new link at Bell Post Hill between Creamery Road and Rollins and Avonlea roads as part of the $380 million bypass.