Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 17 June 2019
Published on 17 June 2019
Matching feed to livestock goals – Wedderburn workshop
Agriculture Victoria is inviting livestock producers to a livestock feeding workshop on Thursday 27 June at the Wedderburn Golf Club from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
The workshop will be conducted by ruminant nutritionist, cattle veterinarian/consultant and beef producer Dr Paul Cusack. Dr Cusack has conducted extensive research into yard weaning and lot feeding systems, including major studies into Bovine Respiratory disease, and is regarded as a leading expert in the field.
Workshop topics include: making the most out of green feed, are mixed crops the best option for grazing?, getting more from grazing cereals, when to feed what to get the most out of your livestock, and more.
Afternoon tea will be provided at the workshop, please RSVP for catering purposes by 25 June via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/2wJPmV1
If you are unable to register online or would like more information, please contact Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711, Darryl.Pearl@ecodev.vic.gov.au or Mixed Farming Development Officer, Rachel Coombes on 0436 001 258, Rachel.Coombes@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Works update
Works to replace the Murphy Creek bridge at Woodstock Road are currently underway. The replacement bridge will ensure that the road and bridge has adequate capacity to incorporate all classes of heavy vehicles.
Please note that the bridge remains closed while replacement works continue. It is expected the bridge will be closed until mid-July.
The works have been made possible through funding of $350,000 from the Commonwealth’s Bridges Renewal Program – this funding has been matched by Council.
In other works news, culvert and concrete works for the replacement of Connors Road Bridge are complete, with roadworks on the project to be finished over the coming weeks. Works for the construction and installation of culverts and crossings on Mologa Durham Ox Road and Hudson Lane are expected to be complete by the end of this week.
The stormwater drainage upgrade at Verdon Street in Inglewood is in its final stages, with paving expected to be finished (and the project completed) by the end of June.
Drainage works at Sugargum Drive in Bridgewater are currently underway and are anticipated to be completed by mid-July.
Footpath works are continuing with crews now moving on to Bridgewater and Wedderburn. The works involve the construction of concrete footpaths and other associated improvements, providing an all-weather footpath and improved connectivity and safety for pedestrians.
In total, 729 metres of footpath will be constructed, with works taking place in Wedderburn, Boort, Newbridge, Bridgewater and Mitiamo.
In terms of the grading program, from 1 April this year to the start of June, 262 kilometres of gravel roads have been inspected with 100 kilometres of them requiring grading.
Seek financial advice and assistance prior to 30 June
Agriculture Victoria is reminding farm business owners to seek assistance from their accountant or professional advisor and/or speak with the Australian Tax Office about preparing their business for the end of the financial year.
Each farmer will have their own individual and business circumstances and it is important to seek advice prior to June 30 to discuss their best options especially in times of drought and dry seasonal conditions.
Service and support is also available from the Rural Financial Counselling Service. You can call Rural Financial Counselling Service – North West on 1300 769 489 or (03) 5022 0799.
Loddon Mallee Waste Info App
It has been quite a while since I have mentioned the Loddon Mallee Waste Info App, and given the focus in recent columns around waste and recycling, I thought it was worth a reminder.
This free app has been developed to help Loddon Shire residents make quick and simple waste and recycling decisions, while aiming to reduce contamination and increase recycling levels.
The app provides you with a personalised bin collection calendar (with optional reminders) and an A to Z list of materials and images showing which bin to put materials in. It also offers information, hints and tips to help with waste management, provides details about Council’s waste and recycling services and facilities (including contact details, opening times and maps), and lets you report a problem directly to Council.
The app even has push notifications to let you know of changes to collection dates, events and programs.
The app is available through the App Store or Google Play. Just search for “Loddon Mallee Waste” and download on your device.
Did you know?
According to the Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group, recovering old electronics instead of throwing them in the bin means valuable materials can be reused to produce new items.
To help recover more of these materials, the Victorian Government is introducing a ban on e-waste in any bin or landfill site starting 1 July 2019. To find out more go to http://ewaste.vic.gov.au