50 years ago, October 1975

‘’New methods are being investigated for the control of European carp,’’ Michael Clarke, MLC, National Party, said recently.

‘’European carp in the rivers and streams of Victoria are infuriating fishermen and affecting town water supplies.

‘’I have raised the subject of European carp many times in parliament and have suggested research work be undertaken at the Rylah Institute.’’

The research could include the possibility of introducing a natural predator.

***

About 130 locals and district people watched as the Mayor of Echuca, Cr D.K. Oberin, unveiled a plaque to mark 100 years of service to the city by the Commercial Bank of Australia.

Cr Oberin also declared open the new premises recently constructed by the bank at the corner of Hare and Pakenham Sts.

In declaring the new premises open, Cr Oberin said it was fortunate that the CBA had seen fit to invest to such an extent in Echuca.

Representing the bank was the state manager for Victoria, Mr A.G.F. Marsh, who assured Cr Oberin that his bank had faith in Echuca.

25 years ago, October 2000

Irrigators’ rights must be enshrined in legislation before 28 per cent flows are returned to the Snowy River, according to Murray Irrigation Limited chairman Bill Hetherington.

Mr Hetherington said he basically did not trust politicians and was sceptical of promises that the diversion would not result in any losses to Murray Valley irrigators.

Member for Rodney Noel Maughan and Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli have also expressed concerns about the Snowy River announcement.

Mr Hetherington said the Water Management Bill in NSW was being rewritten and the Snowy diversion should be enshrined in legislation before any water was allocated to the Snowy River.

He said the same politicians who had signed off on the Snowy diversion would not be around in 10 or 15 years.

***

Hundreds lined the streets of Echuca and Moama on Wednesday as the Herald-Sun Tour rolled into town.

The 80 cyclists were cheered and clapped as they flew past spectators who had turned out for a glimpse of the race.

They were not disappointed, with the Echuca-Moama team winning the leg and maintaining its grip on the race in Rochester yesterday.

School children flocked to the bridge roundabout at Echuca on Wednesday cheering ‘’Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi’’ as a show of support for the first three riders.

Many spectators had come especially to catch a glimpse of Australian Olympic gold medallist from Sydney, Scott McGrory.

10 years ago, October 2015

Echuca police are flat out doing everything they can — except a lot of police work.

Victorian Police Union spokesperson Sergeant Wayne Gatt said dealing with ice-affected people and domestic violence and transporting mental health patients was chewing up most of their time and resources.

In Echuca on Thursday to speak with members about their concerns, Sgt Gatt said ice-related crime and domestic violence were demanding huge slices of members’ workloads, while hours spent driving and admitting mentally ill patients to hospital could be better spent on real police work.

‘‘With domestic violence, the time it takes to deal with it and conclude it is anywhere from two hours to an entire shift,’’ he said.

‘‘The time taken to resolve it, the need for follow-up and the frequency of it occurring, the incidence of domestic violence is causing significant strain on Echuca police.’’

***

Echuca-Moama kart racer Reece Sidebottom is heading to the Rotax world championships in Portugal.

But he is going to need a lot of local support to make sure he gets there.

The 15-year-old speedster estimates it will cost $20,000 to get him and his mechanic to Lisbon, pay for accommodation and cover the costs of parts and equipment during the championships.

Sidebottom has just finished a dominant national season, ranked number two in the Australian Rotax Pro Tour — and only the top three qualify for the championships.

With entries from around the world, Sidebottom knows Portugal is going to take his racing career to a new level.

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