Guy will hold the line on water
Victorian Opposition leader Matt Guy said a Liberal-National state government would make sure water was a priority for northern Victoria and that farmers would continue to access water as they had done in the past.
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On a visit to Shepparton on August 23, Mr Guy said they would see there was no Commonwealth interference that would lessen irrigators’ access to water.
“From our point of view, water is the lifeblood of places like the Goulburn Valley and the economy of the north,” he said.
“Any reduction in water supply would be catastrophic to Victoria’s economy, so from our point of view, it is a priority.
“Any reduction in water supply for our irrigators would be catastrophic to the Victorian economy.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the only people talking about using buybacks to secure the 450 Gl were Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Grazier wins Landcare award
Narromine farmer and grazier Bruce Maynard has been announced as the 2022 Bob Hawke Landcare Award winner, at the National Landcare Awards dinner in Sydney.
The national award is presented every two years to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to caring for the land, championing new and innovative practices and inspiring others.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the NSW farmer was a worthy winner of the $50,000 prize.
“For 35 years he has invented, implemented and extended regenerative agricultural systems on his family farm and across Australia,” Senator Watt said.
“Bruce invented the No Kill cropping system, which allows farmers to change easily and quickly between grazing and cropping in the same paddock.
“He has shown incredible leadership, whether it be planting native shrubs, trees and multi-purpose crops, utilising native grasses or managing grazing for livestock methane reduction.
“The 200,000-odd trees and 350,000 shrubs Bruce has planted on his own property have inspired visiting Landcare and community groups and stand as monuments to his unwavering commitment to sustainable land management.”
Funding for Bendigo Showgrounds
Bendigo Showgrounds will receive a $680,000 Victorian Government grant to improve accessibility.
The Bendigo Showgrounds project includes a new airconditioning system at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, which will help attract events during summer.
The market area has also been revamped with power infrastructure, upgrades to building façades and painting adding to its appeal and opening the door to more power access for stalls and merchants.
Other improvements include repaving to asphalt, an illuminated sign at the entrance and new all-access toilets.
The Bendigo Showgrounds plays host to more than 600,000 people each year including through events such as live music festival Groovin’ the Moo, the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and the Bendigo Agricultural Show.
Young rural leaders wanted
Applications are now open for the R.M. Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award.
The program identifies young, motivated leaders who are already injecting their skills and passion into the wider agricultural industry and rural and regional communities.
The R.M. Williams RAS Rural Achiever finalists will win an all-expenses-paid eight-day intensive internship at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, working behind-the-scenes of the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, attend official functions and networking opportunities with industry leaders, policy makers and captains of organisations.
Further, winners will share $17,000 of prize money and receive and gain leadership skills through a variety of professional development workshops that start at the show and continue over the following 12 months.
Visit the R.M. Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award website. Applications close on Monday, September 12.
Funding for free entry for kids
Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies can access funding to support free entry for children to their shows and field days.
The funding has been made available through the Victorian Government’s one-off investment in the Children Entry COVID Recovery Grants program.
The grants are open to all eligible Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies that are hosting upcoming agriculture, horticultural or pastoral events.
Grant amounts will be capped and based on previous ticket revenue from recent shows, events or field days held by the society.
Applications are open until Monday, September 26.
For more information on the program and to apply, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
LLS board members wanted
Applications to become a board member for one of Local Land Services‘ 11 regional boards close on Tuesday, August 30.
Ideally all candidates will be aged over 18 and reside in the region they are applying for.
Two board member positions are available for each of the Murray, Riverina and North West LLS.
For more information, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/board-recruitment or phone 1300 795 299.
Free fishing clinics for beginners
A free introductory fishing clinic for kids will be held in Seymour on Sunday, September 18 from 10am to 4pm at Goulburn Park.
VicFishKids events are designed especially for children keen to learn the basics in a safe and supported environment with help from experts.
They are run with the help of fishing clubs and Fishcare, ensuring participants learn from experienced fishers about knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they land their first fish.
Catchable size rainbow trout will be stocked prior, improving anglers’ chances of success.
Children who pre-register for clinics will receive a free fishing rod to take home, with 120 up for grabs at each event.
Clinics for people of all ages and abilities will also be held and will run from 10am to 4pm at:
- Kennington Reservoir, Bendigo on Sunday, October 2.
- Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton on Sunday, October 22.
Register at: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingforall