Loddon Shire Mayoral Column

Published on 11 November 2019

Summer season key messages

The summer outlook is for a normal to high fire season in most areas. This means that Victorians need to prepare to minimise the risk from fire, storms, heat, safety around water and road safety.

It is important to know what you will do and where you will go during an emergency. Victorians can get emergency information from a number of sources including the ABC radio or other emergency broadcasters, by phoning the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or following VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.

The VicEmergency website, www.emergency.vic.gov.au, provides the Victorian community with one centralised location for emergency warnings and information. Users can set up and edit up to 20 tailored watch zones. This means that users can have watch zones for the area where they live, work, go on holiday or where friends and family are located. This is another key element in summer preparedness planning and will allow critical information to be received when required.

Funds for sustainable agriculture

Grants worth up to $50,000 are now available to landowners through the third round of the Smart Farms Small Grants program.

The grants aim to support initiatives that will deliver more sustainable, productive and profitable food, fibre and forestry business, while protecting Australia’s biodiversity and natural resources.

Projects funded in the first two rounds included soil acidity management, virtual livestock fencing, drone technology to aid pollination and initiatives to connect farmers with students.

The current round closes on 19 December 2019. Visit the National Landcare website for details: www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/national-landcare-program-smart-farms-small-grants-round-3.

Water Wheel heading to China

Peter Cumming, owner of Bridgewater winery, Water Wheel, is in the process of taking advantage of the emerging wine market that is China, with plans to extend distribution into the Chinese market.

Water Wheel was one of the first wineries in the Loddon Shire, releasing the first vintage of Shiraz in 1974. The range has grown over the years to include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Peter and his team are hoping to capitalise on the Chinese preference for red wine as well as a growing middle class who are enjoying overseas travel and are interested in trying new things.

Region of Gastronomy

Speaking of good news for our local food producers, last week it was announced that Bendigo has been designated a City (and region) of Gastronomy, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities network.

There are only ten cities around the world in this category and is a huge achievement for the Bendigo region. The Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, Councillor Margaret O’Rourke is excited about how this will open up many opportunities for economic development and tourism in this region, from the Murray to the Macedon Ranges.

The Gastronomy designation recognises the strong food and beverage scene in the region and what councils are doing to support healthy, local and sustainable food, reduce waste and tackle food inequality.

Bendigo will be working with surrounding councils over the next four years to support creativity and develop projects that support the food, wine and beverages sector.

Don’t put off free breast screening

BreastScreen Victoria has just released data that indicates nearly half of women aged 50 to 74 are not participating in regular breast screens. The data suggests that 46 per cent of women are not giving themselves the best chance of survival, with an estimated 1500 Victorian women possibly having undiagnosed breast cancer.

Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, more Victorian women are surviving breast cancer which is the second most common new cancer in Victoria.

Victorian women aged between 50 and 74 are encouraged to have a free, two-yearly breast screen with BreastScreen Victoria by calling 13 20 50 or booking online. For more information, visit breastscreen.org.au

Did you know

Approximately 10 million lightweight plastic bags are littered in Victoria every year. A lightweight plastic bag is used for an average of 20 minutes then it lasts for up to 1000 years.

From 1 November, single-use plastic shopping bags have been banned in Victoria in a bid to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment. This state-wide ban includes supermarkets, fast food outlets, retail, pharmacies and service stations.

Sustainability Victoria is running a ‘Better Bag Habits’ campaign to help Victorian households adapt to the change.

Here in Loddon, we have led the way since December 2005, being one of the first councils to embrace the ban on single-use plastic bags. Cr Gavan Holt, who was Mayor at the time, commended our communities and particularly school children, for enthusiastically embracing the change.