City blackout
More than 500 properties across central Geelong faced a power outage on Friday morning after a blackout hit the city, according to Powercor.
The outage caused an evacuation of the Geelong Magistrates Court, while police direct road users in the CBD due to traffic light issues.
Brand sold
Torquay-based surf brand Rip Curl now falls under international outdoor retailer Kathmandu following a $358 million sale, the company announced this week.
The move ends 50 years of private ownership after Torquay’s Brian Singer and Doug Warbrick founded the company at Bells Beach in 1969.
Road blitz
A “massive” local road maintenance blitz has begun across the Bellarine, State Government announced this week.
The works form part of $91.9 million package that includes the rebuilding of Murradoc Rd near Drysdale and resurfacing sections of Geelong-Portarlington Rd.
New chain
German supermarket giant Kaufland could be heading to Geelong after State Government passed plans to an independent advisory panel for assessment this week.
The proposed Highton location could join a further five of the chain’s stores already approved across the state.
Curlewis hotel
Construction of a new $8 million hotel in the Bellarine Peninsula could soon be underway if plans before City Hall get the green light.
The proposed “eco-tourism” development includes 60 residential hotel rooms across 14 two-storey and two one-storey buildings, according to an advertised planning application.
Police search
Geelong police are on the search for one woman and three men who failed to front court on separate offences including dangerous driving and unlawful assault.
Police released images of Luke Bos, 24, Timothy Merrigan, 23, Kristy Williams, 22 and David Norman, 46, following the issue of warrants for their arrest.
