Traps kill platypus

Two platypus have been found dead in illegal fishing traps in Gippsland recently.

In the first incident, a platypus was discovered drowned in an enclosed crab pot set in the Tarra River near Yarram.

Shortly after, a fish researcher found remains of a platypus in an old opera house yabby trap that had been left in Hazel Creek near Nilma.

Significant fines can be imposed for illegal use or possession of traps, and a prison sentence can be imposed for killing native wildlife.

Give feedback on animal plan

Campaspe Shire Council’s 2026-29 Domestic Animal Management Plan is currently under review.

The plan outlines the key issues, objectives and priorities for how cats and dogs will be managed in our community.

Areas covered by the plan include responsible pet ownership topics such as desexing and microchipping, effective control of dogs in public areas, on-leash and off-leash areas for dogs, nuisance dogs and cats, barking dogs, cat confinement, and the collection and disposal of animal excrement.

The Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan is open for community feedback through council’s website until 4pm Friday, October 3.

Blue-green algae warning removed

Goulburn-Murray Water has removed a blue-green algae warning for Lake Eppalock following a significant decline in algae levels.

The warning was issued on April 10 and remained in place for 154 days.

G-MW water quality co-ordinator Bianca Atley said G-MW would keep testing for further adjustments to blue-green algae levels at its storages.

People can view current blue-green algae warnings on the G-MW website at gmwater.com.au/news/bga

Information on current warnings can also be obtained by phoning 1800 013 357 and selecting the blue-green algae information option.

Basin’s best-maintained asset

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is celebrating Menindee after it was named the best-maintained asset in the Murray River system, receiving the prestigious 2025 JS Collings Trophy for the first time.

Awarded almost annually since 1943, the JS Collings Trophy recognises excellence in asset maintenance and operations.

Menindee stood out for its outstanding maintenance and presentation, operational resilience, safety and innovation.

MDBA general manager of assets Angus Paton congratulated the WaterNSW team for their leadership in improving dam safety and asset reliability.

“Menindee is a significant storage for the basin and a critical part of the Murray River system — it’s in great hands,” Mr Paton said.

Celebrate national ag day

National Agriculture Day is a chance to celebrate and learn about Australia’s incredible farm sector.

Held on the third Friday of November each year, it’s one day to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives — every single day.

On this ag day, the NFF calling on all Australians to “stand with the land”.

For the past year, farmers have shown extraordinary grit, navigating record-breaking floods, devastating droughts, imperfect policies and trade disruptions.

To stay up to date with everything that’s happening to celebrate Australian agriculture in the lead-up to, and on November 21, head to the NFF website.

Centenary celebration

The Milloo Hall Committee of Management is welcoming all far and wide to return to the Milloo Hall to celebrate its 100-year centenary.

Located on the ‘back road’ between Echuca and Bendigo, the Milloo Hall has been the focus of social life of the area for 100 years.

The centenary celebration day will be held on October 11 from 10.30am to 4pm, with the official ceremony being held at 1.30pm, with the unveiling of a special centenary monument.

For further information, contact secretary and treasurer Narelle Betts on 0408 303 110.

Tree scheme open

Native seedlings are now available for rural landowners in Campaspe Shire to order for 2026 at a subsidised cost.

To be eligible for the Rural Tree Scheme you must own property in the farm, rural living or rural conservation zones, and the scheme is capped at a maximum of three rate notices per owner.

If you’re uncertain about which zone you live in, contact council on 1300 666 535.

Complete an online order form or download an order form from council’s website, pick one up at one of council’s Customer Service Centres or have one posted to you.

For more information on the Rural Tree Scheme, go to the ‘Now Open’ tab on council’s website.

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Friday, 8th September 2023

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