Mayoral Column 6 June 2016

Published on 06 June 2016

Listening to our dairy farmers

Agribusiness is the life-blood of Loddon Shire and our milk production industries are no exception.

In recent weeks broadly publicised changes have impacted farming families in Calivil and Dingee, as well as other dairy properties scattered across the municipality.

In a bid to support our farming community, Council’s Agribusiness Development Officer has been consulting directly with farmers across the Shire, as well as other key players in the dairy industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my undivided support for our dairy farmers’ plight and assure them we’re not only conscious of, but also actively working to address, the pressures they’re currently facing.

Dairy farmers within Loddon Shire wishing to talk to Council’s Agribusiness Development Officer can contact Darryn Hartnett on 0438 687 296.

Anticipating future farming needs

As a farmer myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take time out to plan for the future.

During the summer period, balancing water carting on top of the day to day running of the farm and meeting family needs may leave little time left for forward planning.

With recent rain bringing a sense of quiet optimism, setting aside some space for forward planning could be time well spent.

A free workshop to help farmers gain a better understanding of their financials and identify risk management strategies to help them through dry periods will be held in Boort on Wednesday 15 June.

The workshops will run from 7.30am to 11am and are designed to provide an informative, interactive means of exploring potential risks and strategies associated with mixed farming.

I would encourage farmers to consider attending the workshop so they can look toward future farming decisions with more confidence, while enjoying networking with others facing similar issues.

Bookings for the workshop to be held at the Boort Resource and Information Centre are essential and can be made by phoning 5341 6100 or emailing info@meridian-ag.com.au.

Hot breakfast and morning tea will be provided.

Wedderburn pre-school opportunity

Our Early Years team is always striving to meet changing community needs.

I’m pleased to say this has resulted in a three year old pre-school program being offered in Wedderburn in term three and four.

Families are encouraged to consider accessing the program which will help build their child’s social skills, independence and routines.

It can also provide a short break for parents, while offering a further opportunity to meet parents who have children at a similar age and stage.

The sessions will run each Wednesday between 8.45am and 11.45am from Wednesday 13 July.

Enrolment forms, complete with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunisation status, must be returned to the Wedderburn office by this Friday 10 June.

Forms can be accessed and completed online by logging onto our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively for further information, or to obtain a hard copy form, contact Council’s Serpentine office by phoning 5437 7999.

Connections Project meeting at Pyramid Hill

Residents interested in having a say about how the Goulburn Murray Water Connections Project is delivered are encouraged to attend a session to be held in Pyramid Hill on Wednesday 15 June.

As a member of the Connections Project Stakeholder Committee, I am well positioned to present the case for having the irrigation project completed across the entire region as initially outlined.

To share your thoughts about how the irrigation infrastructure upgrade could affect you, set aside some time to attend a facilitated round table discussion or simply drop to have your say at the Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall on Wednesday 15 June.

You can register for a daytime round table session scheduled to take place been 12pm and 2pm, or an evening session to run from 6pm to 8pm by phoning 5826 3776, or emailing project.director@gmwater.com.au.

Alternatively you can drop in any time between 12pm to 8pm to share your thoughts with a with a Connections Project representative.