Get the appCorio batsmen Ben Strachan (108) and Bradley Jones (105 not out) led their side to 5/361 against Bannockburn on Saturday with a 136-run partnership. Anthony Grace added 88, leaving the Devils well placed in GCA Division 3. Rain shortened some games and washed out two others across the weekend's local cricket. North Geelong opener Ned Cooper will resume on 116 against St Peters in Division 1. Daniel Harrison took five wickets for Newcomb & District across the top grades.
Stage 2a of the $318.18 million Barwon Heads Road upgrade is on track to open mid next year, six months ahead of schedule. The work between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek adds extra lanes, shared walking and cycling paths, and upgraded intersections. Major work on Stage 2b, from Lake Road to the Lower Duneed Road roundabout in Connewarre, begins in November. Federal and Victorian governments are funding the project. Officials say the upgrades will ease congestion for the 44,000 vehicles expected daily by 2031.
Several wetlands across the Bellarine will receive international Ramsar recognition and stronger environmental protections. The list will expand to include the Moolap Wetlands, parts of the Edwards Point Swan Bay Wildlife Reserve and Coastal Reserve, Lake Connewarre Complex Conservation Reserve, and Point Cook Cheetham Coastal Park and Marine Sanctuary. Local MP Alison Marchant said the wetlands provide saltmarsh and seagrass habitat for migratory shorebirds. State and federal governments are working together on the protections, which Minister Murray Watt said will safeguard wildlife for future generations. The expansion lifts the existing Ramsar-listed wetland to 24,110 hectares statewide.
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Get the appWetlands that support migratory shorebirds have gained international recognition, with an expansion of the Bellarine Ramsar boundary now approved. About 1,400 hectares has been added to the existing Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site. The new areas include Point Henry, Edwards Point, Reedy Lake and Hospital Swamp. The revised boundary will now go to the Convention on Wetlands Secretariat for formal adoption. Officials say the wetlands are part of a network that links habitats across continents.
Doyle Madigan, a former junior Tiger, will return to Torquay's Spring Creek Reserve in 2027 after playing more than 100 games for South Barwon. He finished joint runner-up in the 2026 Mathieson Medal after averaging 22.8 disposals. Club president Cameron Healy said players Clay Page, Doyle Madigan and Chase Loftus have stayed connected with the club. Angus Morrison, August Stelma and Chase Loftus will also join the program. Most of the side has recommitted despite a grand final loss to Queenscliff. Matthew Boag has signed with Ballan.