Ballarat and South West Victoria local news briefing: Monday, September 21, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in the Ballarat and South West Victoria regions today.

More than 200 people have rallied to protest against the planned closure and demolition of the Warrnambool College Pool.

The pool was deemed unsafe and is due to be closed in December and demolished in January.

The Barwon South West Swimming Association said the region needed the pool, after other pools at Port Fairy and Cobden had closed.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the pool has reached the end of its practical life, and has become increasingly costly for the college to maintain and repair.

Victoria's environment department has extended an order requiring poultry producers to house their birds for another 28 days, due to the risk of H5 bird flu.

Farmers or owners of 50 or more poultry in areas along Victoria's coast, including metropolitan Melbourne must continue to confine their birds to avoid contact with wild birds, until at least October 16.

The State Government said there had been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or livestock in Australia. 

Acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell said strong biosecurity measures were necessary to protect poultry against the virus. 

An independent safety audit of Eureka Street in Ballarat has recommended a speed limit review after a girl was fatally hit by a car earlier this year.

12-year-old Annabella Elliott died after being hit by a car along the busy thoroughfare in March. 

A petition with 1,500 signatures calling for improved road safety on Eureka Street was handed to the City of Ballarat in May. 

The safety audit had recommended a review of the 60 km/hour speed limit and has also found a lack of pedestrian crossings was a potential safety issue.

South-west Victorian councils have outlined that road improvements and better community facilities are among their priorities in the lead up to the November state election.

Colac Otway Shire also wants the Victorian Government to scrap the Emergency and Volunteer Services Fund, while providing more childcare services in the region. 

Moyne Shire said its priorities included funding for the Koroit Youth Space and the shire's pools, as well as changes to policy around community benefits from renewable energy developments.

Moyne Shire Council said recent reports from the Victorian Auditor-General's Office and RACV emphasised the urgent need for investment in regional roads.

In both reports, Moyne Shire was highlighted as a hotspot for potholes and some road sections within the area were cited as the most dangerous in the state.