💨 Breeze blocked at Garvoc

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK 🎟️

• SATURDAY, 04/10/25 | Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix, Coleraine

• SATURDAY, 04/10/25 | Walk the Walk Festival 2025, Colac

LATEST HEADLINES IN WEST VIC👂

💨 Moyne Shire has “long supported” renewable energy. So why did it reject a five-turbine wind farm?

Moyne Shire councillors have voted unanimously to reject a proposed five-turbine wind farm near Garvoc.

The Swansons Lane Wind Farm planning permit application, put forward by RE Future, would see two turbines built within Moyne Shire and three in neighbouring Corangamite, on land around 2-3km from Garvoc.

At 252 metres high, the turbines would be among the tallest in the region, with power fed into the local distribution network via an on-site substation.

Mayor Karen Foster said in a statement that while the council supports the state’s transition to renewable energy, the proposal was not in the right location, and failed to deliver adequate community benefit schemes.

“Moyne has long supported renewable energy projects that are well planned, well located and deliver clear benefits to our communities,” she said. 

“However, this proposal falls well short. It is too close to the Garvoc township, located in the heart of highly productive dairy farmland and sits outside the South West Renewable Energy Zone.”

She said many residents had been left frustrated with what they saw as a lack of engagement. More than 100 public submissions have been lodged against the project, raising concerns about impacts on agriculture, property values, amenity and road safety.

“The community has been clear – this proposal does not meet the mark. Renewable energy is part of our future, but it must not come at the expense of farming or proper planning standards.”

Moyne and Corangamite shires have written jointly to the Minister for Planning, calling for stronger standards and clearer policy for renewable projects across the south-west.

Read more

🎸 October gig guide: The best live music events in West Vic this month

Get ready to soak up the sounds, because the Brolga’s got your monthly live music list sorted.

Whether you’re a fan of country, folk, jazz or classical, the region’s venues and festivals are hosting a broad spectrum of performances this October. 

US country artist Jackson Dean will perform at the Whaler’s Hotel in Warrnambool on October 7 as part of his On The Back Of My Dreams World Tour.

SoundTracks, a new music festival launching in Warrnambool on October 18, will feature live, original music from local artists in the shops and laneways of the city’s CBD. 

Australian singer-songwriter Barb Waters, known for her “roots-driven sound” and collaborations with artists such as Paul Kelly, Chris Wilson and Archie Roach, will perform at The Chapel Noorat on October 19 as part of its 2025–26 Summer Sessions.

The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival will host a three-day program from October 10-12 of 24 performances featuring classical, contemporary, jazz, opera, dance and open-air concerts. The festival program also offers masterclasses, talks and community events.

Read more

A day for the caffeine connoisseurs ☕️

Did you know October 1 was International Coffee Day?

If there’s one thing West Vic has in abundance, it’s great coffee spots.

To mark the occasion, I spoke with Alistair Lugg, co-owner of Jo’s Pantry cafe on Colac’s Murray Street.

He shared his thoughts with me on what goes into making the perfect cup of coffee.

Watch the full video below.

Hear from Panmure farmer and large animal vet Stephen Warth about how the drought has impacted his property, and the new LandLife Southwest program he’s joined to better prepare the farm for the region’s expected hotter, drier conditions.

Watch the full video below.