Greens Lake to close for New Year
Greens Lake at Corop will be temporarily closed over the New Year period.
Goulburn-Murray Water first closed the lake for the New Year period in 2014, at the urging of emergency services following several unsafe incidents. The lake has since been closed around the same time every year.
“The advice from emergency services is that we continue to close Greens Lake during the New Year’s holiday period,” G-MW’s Warren Blyth said.
Greens Lake will close at 10am on Tuesday, December 31 and reopen at noon on Wednesday, January 1.
Members of the public who are camping at Greens Lake before the closure must remove their camps before leaving the area.
For more information, phone the G-MW Customer Experience Team on 1800 013 357, or go to: https://www.gmwater.com.au/greenslake
Trial opens for firefighting tool
Farmers in NSW are encouraged to nominate their vehicles to take part in a fresh trial now under way to help first responders fight bushfires.
As of December 13, private farm vehicles used for firefighting purposes known as Farm Fire Units — or Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) — can be used unregistered under certain conditions, as part of a NSW Government trial in place until March 31.
John Lowe from NSW Farmers said the scheme was welcome news to farmers across the state, who relied on Farm Fire Units to respond to bushfires quickly and effectively.
“Farmers need to be able to use these vehicles legally on the road when moving between farms and under the protection of third-party insurance, and we hope that through this trial, we can secure a permanent solution to make that possible.”
To nominate a vehicle for the trial, go to: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/farm-fire-fighting-vehicle-nomination
For more information on the program and criteria for eligible vehicles, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2024-12/Farm-Fire-Fighting-Vehicle-factsheet-December-2024.pdf
Great prospects to find gold
On the back of some recent amateur discoveries, giving a miner’s right for Christmas can introduce family to Victoria’s historic regions and the fun of exploring for gold.
In Victoria, hobby gold hunters must possess a miner’s right, allowing them to keep any gold they find. There are about 95,000 active miner’s rights in Victoria and the rush to get involved shows no sign of slowing, with almost 10,000 purchased during 2024.
Recreational prospecting is permitted in state forests and in designated areas of some national, state, historic and heritage parks. The use of mechanical equipment or explosives is not allowed, while vegetation and Aboriginal objects must not be removed or damaged.
While minerals exploration and mining have been temporarily paused in some parts of the state, this does not impact recreational prospecting. Holders of a miner’s right can continue searching for gold and other minerals as long as they follow existing rules.
A miner’s right can be purchased for $27.80 from: https://www.service.vic.gov.au/services/earth-resources
Resources Victoria has produced a Guide to Recreational Prospecting in Victoria and a helpful video, both can be accessed at: https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/fossicking
Call for a Food System Strategy
A parliamentary committee is recommending the Victorian Government consider developing a Food System Strategy to secure the state’s long-term food supply.
“A cohesive policy approach is needed to secure the state's food supply into the future,” Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee chair Juliana Addison said.
“Victoria’s population has grown rapidly in recent years and is forecast to top 10 million by 2051. The challenge of feeding and housing our expanding community is placing agriculture under pressure.”
The report is also urging the government to maintain Melbourne’s urban growth boundary and prevent piecemeal development in the farmland surrounding the city.
“The significant challenges facing farmers are multi-faceted and merit a whole-of-government, whole-of-food-system response which recognises farmers are at the heart of our food system and healthy food is foundational to the wellbeing of Victorians.”
Experts appointed to advise on animal welfare
Nine experts have been selected for the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) to provide strategic and specialist advice on animal welfare and related issues in Victoria.
The AWAC is a non-statutory Ministerial Advisory Committee that is appointed by the minister for agriculture.
Six new members have been appointed and three members have been reappointed. The committee will serve a three-year term, with Dr Timothy Dyke as chair.
The new AWAC members are: Dr Russell Harrison (deputy chair), Dr Hugh Millar, Dr Joel Huang, Dr Lauren Hemsworth, Dr Peta Taylor and Dr Ron Glanville. The reappointed members are: Dr Catherine Ainsworth, Elizabeth Walker and Dr Sally Sherwen.
For further information, go to: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/animal-welfare/animal-welfare-advisory-committee