LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, After dealing with the impact of catastrophic bushfires, years of drought and now the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic our farmers need some certainty. In recent years, massive increases to farm rates in some Local Government Areas have pushed up farmers’ rates burden by tens of thousands of dollars. With many councils now…

Commitment the first step to fix farm trespass laws

Victorian farmers had a small win today with the Andrews Labor Government finally agreeing to take the first steps to fix farm trespass laws. The commitment comes in response to the final report of the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture, which was established by the Liberal Nationals to better…

PUBLIC TRANSPORT VICTORIA STALLS SWAN HILL BUS SHELTER

AN 86-year-old Swan Hill woman, who singlehandedly raised a petition with almost 700 signatures for a Stradbroke Avenue bus shelter, is still waiting after months of stalling by Public Transport Victoria according to the Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh. He said Margaret Cooper has done an outstanding job; first with the petition and then…

Ag workforce looking for answers on jobs funds

Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes must explain why funds intended to provide direct employment in the agriculture sector will instead be used to prop up new jobs at Victoria’s Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). The Andrews Government announced today that part of the $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan will go to “job creation projects” at five of…

Sport Survival Grants available for clubs and associations

Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is urging local sports clubs and associations to apply for COVID-19 survival grants to help with operational costs. The Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package is available to assist community sporting clubs and associations. “The suspension of community sporting competitions due to the coronavirus has left a hole in…