Mayoral Column 20 November 2017
Published on 20 November 2017
Fire Danger Period declared
With the official declaration of the Fire Danger Period for the Loddon Shire Council area beginning last Friday (17 November), it’s important you know what you can and can’t do during this time. This is particularly vital as we look towards the Christmas and New Year holidays.
During the Fire Danger Period several fire restrictions and regulations apply, including around campfires and barbecues, burning off and other activities.
You can find out what you can or can’t do during the Fire Danger Period (and on days of Total Fire Ban) by visiting the CFA’s Can I or Can’t I information at cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
If you’re travelling outside our Shire, make sure you’re aware of possible fire restrictions in other areas of the state. For a full list of municipalities with fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/fire-restrictions.
Happy Ag Day!
Tuesday 21 November is National Agriculture Day, which celebrates the contribution of agriculture to Australia’s social and economic fabric.
Obviously agriculture is the major industry within our Shire and is our largest employer, while also contributing to Victoria’s (and Australia’s) agricultural outputs.
According to the National Farmers Federation, Australia’s farm sector is responsible for feeding 61 million people around the world each day. Farming and affiliated food and fibre industries provide jobs to more than 11.5 million Australians.
As well as celebrating our farming sector, Ag Day recognises those supply chain industries that make our agriculture industry possible. This includes rural supplies businesses, meat processors, grain accumulators and trucking companies.
You can find out more about Ag Day at www.agday.org.au.
Food Fossickers network
The Food Fossickers network are keen to hear from food producers in the Loddon region who may be interested in joining their membership-based network, which provides opportunities for food-related businesses to grow and develop.
According to Food Fossickers, they provide a strong and viable food trade network providing a much-needed structure and advocacy for local, regional and seasonal food knowledge.
The network aims to build partnerships that will inspire, nurture and promote regional food and food-related experience, strengthening its cultural food heritage and creating a sustainable food industry that will highlight the region on the foodies map.
Food Fossickers also believes in building stronger relationships and an independent supply chain for local and regional food.
Food Fossickers welcomes food and beverage growers, producers, retailers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, butchers and more, and has a range of membership options available.
If you would like to find out more about the Food Fossickers network, contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 1257 to get a copy of the network’s membership prospectus.