Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 18 April 2023

Published on 18 April 2023

Flood-affected residents urged to make a submission to flood enquiry

I’d like to encourage everyone within the Loddon Shire who were affected by the October 2022 floods to make a submission to an inquiry into the 2022 flood event, by the deadline of 8 May 2023.

Victoria’s Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is urging people affected by the floods to ensure they make a submission by the deadline, and tell the Committee what happened to them. The Committee will be investigating how prepared Victoria was, and how it handled the flood event.

Victoria’s response to major floods in October 2022 is the focus of a wide-ranging parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry will look at what caused or contributed to the flooding and the adequacy and effectiveness of early warning systems.

The inquiry’s extensive terms of reference allow for examination of water catchments and flood plains including, but not limited to:

Avoca River
Barwon River
Broken River
Campaspe River
Goulburn River
Loddon River
Maribyrnong River
Murray River

The implementation and effectiveness of the 2016 Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy and the implications of the flood event for future planning decisions will be key to the inquiry.

The Committee plans to hold public hearings in flood-affected areas and will deliver its findings and recommendations by 30 June 2024.

For more information and to make a written submission by 8 May visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/floodinquiry

Applications for the 2023 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships are now open

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney has launched this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship, encouraging the next generation of farmers to apply and contribute to the future of Victoria's vibrant agriculture sector.

The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient initially receiving up to $5,000 to support their training and study, and up to $5,000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.

Successful applicants can receive training in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management, digital agriculture or adapting to climate change. When they complete their studies, they can invest in professional development and business planning, on-farm practices or equipment and technology.

Since 2015, the Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program has successfully supported 99 young farmers from a range of agriculture sectors.

Applications are open to farmers aged 35 and under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.

Applications will close on 8 May. To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit the Agriculture Victoria website

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/young-farmers/young-farmers-scholarships

Loddon Shire ANZAC Services 2023

This Anzac Day Loddon Shire, together with the nation, will remember those who have lost their lives in military and peacekeeping operations.

A number of communities across the Loddon Shire will hold local Anzac Day ceremonies, including Boort, Bridgewater, Calivil, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Pyramid Hill, Newbridge, Mologa, Rheola, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.

Not only do these ceremonies honour those who have served our country, but they remember the spirit of Anzac, including its qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice. These qualities continue to be relevant to our sense of national identity today.

To view a list of Anzac Day ceremonies in the Shire, please visit Council’s website https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Ceremonies/ANZAC-Day

Upcoming Council Meeting

Council’s April meeting will be held Wednesday 26^th April at 3pm in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, located behind the Wedderburn Council Office, off Peters Street.

You can also watch the Council meeting live via Council’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LoddonShire

To view the April Council Meeting agenda visit

https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes/Agendas-and-minutes-2023