Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 15 November
Published on 15 November 2022
Flood recovery continues
Council staff are continuing to respond to various requests for assistance and support across our Shire.
While the southern parts of our municipality continue their recovery, northern parts of our Shire are seeing floodwaters moving through. As we know, this flood event is slow-moving, so the flood response continues, with flood recovery in other communities an ongoing process.
As mentioned last week, this recovery includes the continued clean-up, inspections and repairs to Council’s 4,800-kilometre road network.
Council officers and contractors are focusing on fixing high-risk locations, with other officers inspecting and prioritising works for the remainder of the road network.
For road information, including closures, please visit VicTraffic at https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
A reminder, that if you would like to report water over a road or general road issues for VicRoads roads call 13 11 70. For Council roads call (03) 5494 1200.
A list of VicRoads roads within Loddon Shire can be found on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpaths-roads-and-drains/Roads
Watch out for snakes
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is reminding the community to be on the lookout for snakes, with many snakes having been displaced during the floods.
Snakes may be looking for shelter and food in flood-affected areas where you might not normally see them, like homes, sheds, or in floodwater swimming to higher ground.
DELWP advises people living in a flood-affected area, to stay alert to your surroundings, including indoors.
If you see a snake inside your home, calmly leave the area with your pets and children. Call DELWP on 136 186 for advice on snake controllers in your area. If someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.
If you’re outdoors, make sure you wear sturdy work boots, gloves and long pants. Watch were you step or put your hands.
If you see a snake, slowly back away to give it room to continue on its way. Do not touch it.
When it is safe to do so, remove debris from around your house as it can attract rodents and insects that snakes eat.
Snakes are protected by law and it is illegal to harm them or capture them without authority.
Help protect yourself against mosquitos
The recent floods and wet weather has seen mosquitos breeding in greater numbers – as many of us have experienced during the last weeks.
Mosquitos can carry diseases such as Murray Valley and Japanese encephalitis, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. The best way is to protect yourself from mosquitos and the diseases they may carry, is to avoid mosquito bites.
This includes wearing long, loose-fitting clothes, using repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, using mosquito nets or insect screens, and using ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.
If mosquito numbers are high, try to limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible. Remove mozzie breeding sites like stagnant water around your accommodation or property.
If you have been in contact with mosquitoes and develop a sudden high fever and headache in the following days and weeks, see your doctor. If you have more serious symptoms like disorientation or a seizure – urgently seek medical attention.
For more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease
Reminder about risks of flystrike following floods
Agriculture Victoria is reminding producers to be aware of flystrike. Minimising risks of flystrike after floods is an important consideration for producers through to shearing.
Flystrike is a major disease and welfare issue for Australian sheep. It occurs in warm weather when the fleece of sheep is wet.
Heavy rainfall and floods during the warm summer months can increase the risk of flystrike. All breeds of sheep can be affected, mainly from body strike where fleece rot has occurred.
Other animals can be struck by blow flies where they have oozing sores – such as when they have been lying down for long periods – or in wounds.
For more information about preparing for flystrike after a flood, visit Agriculture Victoria at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/sheep-diseases/flystrike-after-floods
Biosecurity planning after floods - webinar
Agriculture Victoria will be hosting a webinar this Thursday 17 November at 1pm regarding biosecurity planning after floods.
Topics will include Creating a biosecurity plan, Common biosecurity issues after flooding, Setting up a biosecurity kit and facilities on-farm, and Putting your biosecurity plan into action.
For more information and to register for the webinar visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-clpxBejR6KFz23NoL44qg
Taking care of yourself
Having mentioned flood recovery and other issues to do with the recent floods, I’d also just like to remind our community to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, during what is a difficult time for many.
I have previously mentioned Council’s flood information page on its website, which includes a section with information on looking after your mental health.
You can access this information via www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Flood-updates-October-2022
Agriculture Victoria also has resources and information on its website, including a comprehensive list of health support agencies.
It’s available at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-flood/check-your-health-and-wellbeing
Boort Amity raises funds
I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate Boort Amity on raising $5,000 at their annual charity auction last week.
Funds raised from the auction will help Boort Amity with its community projects in the area, including the awards presentation evening at Boort District College.
Remembrance Day
Last Friday 11 November saw Remembrance Day commemorations held across our Shire.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those behind the scenes who organised these commemorations, including our local RSL clubs. These commemorations are hugely important for our local communities to be able to pause and remember those who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.