Christmas spending
A $2 million spending spree on Christmas decorations will go ahead after Geelong’s council approved the initiative this week.
Mayor Darryn Lyons used his casting vote to keep confidential details of the spending, including $500,000 for a floating Christmas tree and $1.5 million for lighting.
Bakery robbed
Two robbers used a sledgehammer to smash their way into a Lara bakery before one threatened female bakers with a knife, according to police.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the balaclava-clad culprits escaped on foot “with an amount of cash” after the robbery about 1am Monday.
Station access
A $7.3 million upgrade of disabled access to Geelong Railway Station is underway, Victoria’s Public Transport Minister has announced.
Terry Mulder said the work would include new lifts and stairs at the south end of the station’s platforms and an emergency access ramp to the north.
Braking news
A new TAC campaign will steer Geelong motorists toward cars with self-braking technology to avoid collisions.
A TAC spokesperson said “auto emergency braking” was already included in 50 car models available at Geelong dealerships.
New estates
Two new residential estates are on the way to south-western Geelong.
Geelong’s council this week agreed to seek a planning scheme amendment allowing housing on 24 hectares of farmland bordering Waurn Ponds, while ICD property announced it’s a 150-lot first stage of its Fyansford development would open “later this year”.
