If you are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring, here are some steps you can take to feel safe, while also protecting our native birds.
Firewood collection areas opened in state forests on September 1.
Victorians are now able to collect firewood for domestic use from designated collection areas during the spring firewood season.
Maps are now live and accessible. An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while PDF maps include safety and other practical information.
Firewood can only be gathered from designated collection areas in state forests during the official season.
Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood at https://tinyurl.com/3bvt79k3
Drought support drop-in
Farmers and primary producers in the region who are experiencing difficulties applying for the $5000 Farm Drought Support Grants have been encouraged to attend drop-in sessions in Benalla.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is hosting sessions at her office at 25 Bridge St East.
Representatives from AgBiz Assist will be on hand to guide applicants through the process and answer any questions.
There will be two sessions from 10am to 3pm, on Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 18.
To book a time, contact Ms Cleeland’s office on 5762 1600 or at annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au
Make your bushfire plan
Ahead of the looming fire season, a CFA survey has revealed that 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas do not have a bushfire plan in place to save their family.
One in five people in these areas do not believe “leaving early” in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.
Worryingly, those least concerned, and less likely to be prepared, were located just 500 metres to one kilometre from bushland.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now was not the time to be complacent, with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.
CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.
Farm lending reaches $131b
Aggregate lending to the farm sector rose six per cent in 2023-24, according to the latest figures released by ABARES.
ABARES executive director Jared Greenville said the rise reflected ongoing capital investment and continued confidence in Australian agriculture.
“The aggregate value of outstanding loans increased from $123.6 billion at 30 June 2023 to $131.4 billion at 30 June 2024,” Dr Greenville said.
“However, while lending to the farm sector increased in all states and territories during 2023–24, the distribution of debt is spread unevenly across farms.
“In 2023–24, five per cent of broadacre and dairy farms accounted for 52 per cent of the aggregate value of loans in these two industries.”
The full report and dashboard are available on the ABARES website.
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