Mayoral Column 24 September 2018

Published on 24 September 2018

Routine fire inspections starting soon

From the start of next month Council’s Local Laws team will be undertaking routine fire prevention inspections right across the Shire.

These fire prevention inspections are designed to help create a safer community by identifying and managing fire risks as we start to head into the warmer months.

Council will also be taking steps to prepare for the approaching fire season by turning its attention to roadside slashing to reduce roadside fuel and mowing firebreaks in township areas.

I urge all residents to help keep our community safe over the summer months by starting to make your property fire safe now.

This includes clearing long grass, leaves and branches, undergrowth and vegetation, ensuring gutters are clear, and removing rubbish and other flammable material lying around your property.

You can find out more about how to make your property “fire safe” by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au, clicking on “Plan and Prepare” at the top of the page, and then selecting “Before and During a Fire” on the left side of the page.

Here you’ll find a range of resources to help prepare for the coming summer, including a Fire Ready Kit that has been updated for 2018.

Celebrating International Rural Women’s Day in Loddon Shire

A delicious two-course lunch, networking, a conversation with three inspiring rural entrepreneurs and a tour of one of our region’s iconic companies, will all be part of an event celebrating International Rural Women’s Day.

Taking place on Sunday 14 October 2018 from 11am to 2pm at Simply Tomatoes, the Celebrating International Rural Women’s Day will include a delicious two-course lunch, panel discussion, networking and a tour of Simply Tomatoes and Aussie Wool Quilts.

Marilyn Lanyon from Simply Tomatoes, Elise Brown from Fair Dinkum Dog Coats and Toni Barton from Lamb Bacon Co will join Kerry Anderson (founder of the Operation Next Gen Program) for a lunchtime panel discussion. The discussion will be followed by a Question and Answer session.

The cost to attend the event is $30. Proceeds from the day will be donated to a local charity chosen by popular vote.

You can register for Celebrating International Rural Women’s Day through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/irwd-2018-tickets-50046583679?aff=ehomecard

Rural Women’s Award

Online applications are now open for the 2019 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Open to all women involved in rural industries, rural and regional businesses, and rural and regional communities, the Rural Women’s Award acknowledges and supports the essential role women play in these areas. The award also provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit these sectors.

Each state and territory winner of the award will receive a $10,000 bursary for innovative ideas and projects, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Applications close at 11pm, Wednesday 31 October 2018.

For more information about the awards and to apply, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/

Managing resources in drought

Having previously mentioned information and support available to Victorian farmers around managing dry seasonal conditions, I’d also like to highlight information developed by Agriculture Victoria regarding managing resources in drought, specifically livestock feeding and management.

The information aims to help producers to break down the planning phase into manageable steps for a successful way forward. It includes guides around drought feeding and management of sheep and beef cattle, fact sheets regarding stock containment areas and water management information.

Find out more at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/drought/managing-resources-in-drought

Did you know?

During the 2017/18 fire season, Council’s Local Laws department issued 206 fire prevention notices throughout the Shire to landowners within or on the fringes of townships. These fire prevention notices included properties where long grass posed a fire risk.