WTF: You’ve been warned, no debate time, Bristol Rd biffo

While we’re loathe to call it a crime wave, a spate of thefts in North Geelong have prompted police to take proactive measures.

WTF?

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us. We’ve asked the people of Geelong to point out the problems that irritate and exasperate and have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

Police will help people secure their number plates at the North Geelong train station on Saturday. Picture: Victorian Police / Facebook.

While we’re loathe to call it a crime wave, a spate of thefts in North Geelong have prompted police to take proactive measures.

People parked at the local train station have returned to their car to find a warning letter on their windscreen.

“Victoria Police are currently investigating an increasing number of thefts from motor vehicles that are occurring in your local area,” it ominously begun.

The flyer was left on cars that, among other things, were “parked in a vulnerable position”, which we can only assume means anywhere accessible to a wannabe crook.

“Remove it, lock it or lose it,” people were told (in bold font for added emphasis).

People are being warned to be vigilant around North Geelong train station. Picture: Supplied.

Fear not, practical help is also on hand, as police prepare to host a “Safe PL8 Pop Up” event at the train station from 10am to 1pm this Saturday.

The prize for attending is one-way screws that help prevent number plates being stolen.

For the record, figures released by police HQ on Thursday showed 728 criminal offences occurred in North Geelong in 2024, up from 695 the previous year.

THE DEBATE THAT ISN’T

It’s unclear whether Liberal candidate for Corangamite Darcy Dunstan and incumbent Labor MP Libby Coker will take part in a debate ahead of the federal election.

We here at WTF love a debate.

Whether it be the best lunch deal, the likelihood of Bailey Smith doing an interview, or the longest traffic light cycle in town, lively conservation is always healthy.

So when word hit WTF’s desk this week that a debate was locked in for candidates in the crucial seat of Corangamite, we could hardly contain our excitement.

That excitement soured when we went learnt that the candidates knew nothing about it.

Sure, they had been approached by several groups about the potential of a debate, but certainly nothing had been locked in.

We’ve since been reliably informed that the Geelong Real Deal group is hoping to finalise the debate details in the near future.

We can’t wait.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BARRICADE

The intersection on Surf Coast Highway and Bristol St this week. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Torquay locals are scratching their heads wondering when the Bristol Rd-Surf Coast Highway intersection will finally be reopened.

Works at the increasingly busy intersection appeared to have finished well before the Christmas rush, yet the big orange barriers remain.

It’s made for a bottleneck of cars trying to head into the shopping centre coming from the south side of town.

It’s also leaving locals wondering if officials get the job done in time for the Easter rush.

Well, we have some bad news.

Surf Coast Shire general manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike said works wouldn’t restart at the intersection until the middle of next month.

“While preparing for the installation of the traffic lights we found underground services that

needed to be moved,” Mr Pike said.

“We had to redesign the traffic light layout and arrange for the assets to be moved.

“This has now been confirmed and work will restart mid April.

“We expect these intersection works to be completed towards the end of the year, without any

more unexpected interruptions, and apologise for the delay.”

APPLY (BEFORE) NOW

Outgoing AFL Barwon general manager Ed Wilson. Picture: Supplied.

AFL Barwon is not wasting any time in its quest to fill the general manager role that Ed Wilson will vacate March 26 – less than a fortnight before all three Geelong leagues kick off.

Indeed, a case could be made that the HR department has been a little too eager.

A job alert published on March 16 listed the closing date for applications as March 14.

Now we don’t doubt that aspiring sport administrators are a capable bunch, but travelling back in time seems a bridge too far.

The alert was amended and a cut off date of March 21 was given.

WTF wishes Mr Wilson good luck in his new role as Motorcycling Victoria boss.

Originally published as WTF: You’ve been warned, no debate time, Bristol Rd biffo