About the episode
Here is what is making news for January 30, 2026.=======================================HOPING FOR AUDIO FROM SHAUN CUMMING Barwon Water is urging customers across its service region to use water carefully as fires continue burning in the Otways and hot weather drives up demand.Parts of the region fall within active fire and Watch and Act zones. Barwon Water will release a further update at 10am outlining the fire’s impact on local services.==============================================================================While the threat from the Otway fires has eased overnight due to favourable conditions in recent days, the fire fighting effort is far from over.Colac Dairy farmer and president of Dairy Farmers Victoria Mark Billing is one of many who has chosen to move livestock to a safer location.==============================================================================Bluewater Leisure Centre has fully reopened following its temporary use as an Emergency Relief Centre during the Carlisle River bushfires. ==============================================================================Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following a shooting in Cobden last week. ==============================================================================Annual reports reveal the Great Ocean Road Parks Authority has received emergency funding from the Victorian Government to meet short-term operational costs.The Authority was provided a $6.1 million Treasurer’s Advance and a Letter of Comfort in August 2025. ==============================================================================Despite a maximum forecast of 34 tipped for today, weather over then weekend is expected to ease conditions for firefighters over the weekend.Saturday brings 50 percent chance of rain for Colac, with 0-1 millilitres expected with light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 25 kilometres per hour during the day then becoming light during the evening.Sunday sees a top of 20, with a slight chance of rain and light winds.==============================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council will be writing to the Government over the proposal for a Mumblin Wind Farm.Mayor Kate Makin says councillors unanimously voted against the wind farm saying it is outside registered wind farm zones, and will disrupt prime agricultural land.==============================================================================AND IN SPORTAFL Barwon has adopted the AFL’s 2026 rule changes for all competitive age competitions.Key updates include a free kick for the last disposal out of bounds between the 50-metre arcs, replacing the previous last possession rule.At centre ball-ups, rucks cannot cross the centre circle line before contesting the ball, and shrugging in a tackle is now considered prior opportunity.Umpires may also restart play without a nominated ruck to speed up the game.==============================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket's fixtures Woorndoo hosts City United.Pomborneit has Apollo Bay.Cobden hosts Alvie.Stoenyford plays Camperdown.Ecklin hosts the in form Colac.Birregurra plays Bookhaar.AND Irrewarra will face Storm after they just announced the resigning of co-coaches in Simon Harkness and Matthew Love.=======================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
