News blog, January 24; Consultation time extended for social housing proposal; extreme heat warning

UPDATE, 4.40pm: Local sport heats up

I’ll leave you with some more sport results from the weekend; in the cricket a masterclass century from Cade Mueller stole headlines as Kyabram bounced back from last week’s loss in sublime style.

While Tatura-Hill Top’s David Cartwright registered a standout performance in his side’s Allan Matheson Shield win over Kyabram after an emotional week.

UPDATE 4.00pm: Take care in extreme heat

The Victorian health department has issued a heat health alert for the north central district for tomorrow.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a top of 35°C tomorrow and 36°C on Wednesday in Shepparton.

Some tips to survive the heat include;

– Drink plenty of water. Always take a full bottle with you.

– Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.

– Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.

– Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a fitted face mask and bottle of water with you.

– Check-in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbours, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets. Keep in touch with anyone who may need help. If you see symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical help.

– Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or see your doctor if you are unwell. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). If you have COVID-19 or you are in isolation because you are a close contact, you can leave your home in an emergency and to seek medical care.

For information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat

For V/Line passengers, extreme heat timetables will be in place on the Shepparton, Seymour, Echuca, Bendigo and Swan Hill lines on some days this week.

Passengers are urged to check the V/Line website and view a copy of the extreme heat timetable or ask for a copy from their nearest staffed station before travelling.

Extreme heat timetables are implemented when temperatures exceed 36 degrees in order to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, while also keeping passengers safe.

During extreme heat trains run at slower than normal speeds and may depart and arrive at different times, passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys.

There will be drinking water on board trains and passengers are also encouraged to travel with bottled water and wear cool clothing.

UPDATE 2.45pm: Shepparton reverend desperate to return to Tonga

Shepparton’s Tongan community has been rallying together as they wait for reports from the archipelago after a devastating volcanic eruption.

Shepparton Uniting Church Reverend Loni Vaitohi grew up in Tonga and has a brother and sister still living there.

Although he hasn’t been able to make direct contact, he has confirmed his siblings are okay.

“One of the mobile companies in Tonga has managed to open up some communication but you can imagine everyone from America to New Zealand are all wanting to get in at the same time,” he said.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on January 15, blanketing parts of the country with ash and smoke and triggering a damaging tsunami.

Three people died, homes were destroyed and communication was initially cut off.

Click here for the full story.

UPDATE: 1.30pm: The latest from police and court

Numurkah man charged with speeding offences: Cobram police have impounded a car and charged a Numurkah man after he was allegedly caught speeding on two separate occasions.

Police searches result in arrests: Two people have been charged with a range of offences, including allegedly trafficking methamphetamine and dealing with the proceeds of crime, after police executed search warrants at two Shepparton properties on Thursday, January 20.

Man fined $5000 for not following chief health officer’s directions: A man who drove two friends home after drinking at his house with them has been fined $5000 for failing to comply with Victoria’s chief health officer’s directions to only leave home for essential reasons.

UPDATE, 12.30pm: Local COVID-19 numbers

Greater Shepparton recorded 64 new cases of COVID-19 today, and has a total of 721 active cases.

The LGA has recorded 4510 total cases since the pandemic began.

Campaspe Shire has recorded 41 new cases, while Moira and Benalla both reported 9.

Strathbogie has 11 new cases.

UPDATE, 11.30 am: Consultation extended for proposed sale of Maude, Nixon and Edward Sts carparks

Greater Shepparton City Council has extended the community consultation period about the proposed social housing development at the Maude, Nixon and Edward Sts carpark for another three weeks.

It comes after a number of organisations raised concerns about the project, proposed by BeyondHousing and Wintringham.

Last week, Residents for a Greater Shepparton sent a request to the council for more information about the development.

Robin Knaggs is one of 15 committee members concerned with a lack of transparency from council and the timeframe for public consultation.

“Three weeks is a very short time — especially when we’re waiting on council to get back to us with answers,” Mr Knaggs said.

Mayor Cr Kim O’Keefe said she hoped the extended time allows community members to consider the proposal carefully.

“I would like to thank everyone who has provided their feedback so far, and encourage anyone interested to make a submission so we can truly understand the thoughts of the wider community.”

We’ll have the full story later in the day.

UPDATE, 10am: ATAGI approves Novavax vaccine

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced the Novavax vaccine will be rolled out from the week of February 21.

The vaccine has received approval from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and will be the fourth vaccine in use in the country.

“Stocks will be provided to Australia, the TGA will go through a detailed batch-testing process as this will be the first shipment we have received and presuming that is deemed to be safe... then that fourth vaccine will be made available,” Mr Hunt said.

“The specific advice of ATAGI is it will be a two-dose course, with a minimum of three weeks between the first and second doses.

“It’s a protein based vaccine, so for some who have contrary indications or reactions with regards to other vaccines, this will provide an additional opportunity for them — as well as those who for whatever reason have not taken up the program so far.”

UPDATE, 9.50am: Weekend’s sport action

Some late brilliance from Hadleigh Sirett against Northerners has helped revive Katandra’s Haisman Shield campaign.

With his side nine wickets down and needing seven runs for victory, the gun all-rounder crunched two boundaries to hand the Eagles a shock upset win.

Check out senior sport journalist Aydin Payne’s coverage of the match here.

UPDATE, 9.25am: 11,695 new Victorian COVID cases and 17 deaths

The Victorian numbers have been announced with 11,695 new cases today and sadly 17 people have died.

There are 998 people in hospital including 47 on a ventilator.

On the COVID vaccination front, 32 per cent of Victorians aged over the age of 18 have had their third dose.

Across the border, NSW has recorded 24 deaths and 15,091 new cases; 2816 people are in hospital with COVID and 196 are in intensive care.

UPDATE, 9.15am: Morning headlines

New rules for Victorian return to school: The Victorian Government yesterday announced a plan for a return to school, including twice-weekly rapid antigen testing.

SpringNats a roaring, smoking, squealing success: The Spring Car Nationals took over Shepparton on the weekend and its shaping up to be one of the biggest in the past five years.

Campaspe Shire pools are safe for now: Campaspe Shire Council pools were on the chopping block at last week’s meeting but a decision on their fate has been delayed.