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Gippsland Ag News
 
Thursday, 26 November 2020
In this edition:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Stay safe stay open

Victorian Border Crossing Permit

From 11.59pm on 21 November, permits are required for everyone arriving in Victoria who lives in or has travelled through South Australia.

For more information and to apply for a Victorian Border Crossing Permit, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Update: safely reopening Victoria

The coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap for reopening provides steps on easing restrictions, dependent on how many active coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are in the community and public health advice.

From 11:59pm on 22 November, changes are being made to restrictions across Victoria. Read the Premier’s statement or visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more details.

COVIDSafe Plans are required for all Victorian businesses

It is mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan.

To ensure compliance, random spot checks are underway.

Your COVIDSafe Plan must set out:

  • your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
  • the level of face covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
  • how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
  • this plan must demonstrate how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans routinely, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite.

If you own a business in a high-risk industry, you must have a High Risk COVIDSafe plan.

In both metropolitan Melbourne and in regional Victoria, your business is operating in a high-risk industry and requires a High Risk COVIDSafe Plan if you are:

  • an abattoir or meat processing facility
  • a seafood processing facility
  • a poultry processing facility
  • in seasonal horticultural work.

For more information and for templates and guidance on how to create your COVIDSafe Plan, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Latest news
Finalise your livestock fire plan now
Livestock fire plans

Victorian primary producers are more aware than most, particularly after the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for their livestock.

Effects faced include:

  • damaged fencing and other infrastructure
  • facilities and supplementary feed stores
  • burnt pastures and
  • devastating loss of thousands of sheep and cattle.

Producers were also required to move around 160,000 livestock to alternative locations across Victoria and interstate urgently both prior to, during and post the bushfires.

Now is the time for livestock owners to get prepared and have a clear strategy to apply in the possibility of a fire emergency on their farm.

A key factor in minimising the threat to livestock during a bushfire or on extreme fire danger days, is to identify safer areas on-farm where livestock can be moved to.

The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock and their expected behaviour during a bushfire.

To reduce potential injury and death to livestock you should consider relocating stock to designated low risk areas during days of high fire danger and Total Fire Bans. Low risk areas include:

  • ploughed paddocks, areas cultivated and kept free of combustible vegetation
  • bared-out paddocks, provided they are well defended by fire breaks
  • irrigated paddocks or paddocks containing green summer crops (green feed does not burn easily)
  • stockyards that can be wet in advance— however, the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes.

All low risk areas should have sufficient drinking water to enable stock to remain in the area for extended periods of high fire risk and high temperatures, be protected by firebreaks and be free of leaf, twigs and bark build-up.

Areas where there are dams and swamps are another possible option.

For more information see stock containment areas for emergencies.

Stockyards have been known to successfully hold livestock during a bushfire, if protected by a firebreak.

If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system, similar to stock being held together on a hot day, they can suffer heat stress.

Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables but moved to an open paddock with minimal vegetation, so they can move freely.

Horses are good at moving themselves to safe open areas and usually suffer minimal burns if left to do so.

If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses, the plastic may melt, and metal buckles can burn the animal.
Therefore consider using rope halters for easier handling and management.

It’s crucial not to open gates that may allow stock access to public roadways, as any animals will be a hazard to traffic in smoky conditions.

On days of extreme fire danger or on the day before, stock should be moved into lower risk areas on-farm, or to a safer property.

Agriculture Victoria advises livestock owners to act early and not get caught trying to move stock as a bushfire approaches, listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.

For further assistance on preparing a farm and livestock bushfire plan see the emergency management pages or contact the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Animal welfare fund grants - helping more pets get the care they need

The Victorian Government is offering $750,000 in grant funding to not-for-profit and community organisations who rehome pets or provide low-cost veterinary services.

Animal shelters, foster carers, not-for-profit and community vet clinics are encouraged to apply for funding.

Eligible organisations wishing to invest in infrastructure, programs and activities that align with the below areas and demonstrate a benefit to companion animal welfare in Victoria will be considered for funding:

  • Improvement in the rates of reuniting companion animals to their owners and re-homing of companion animals
  • Services, systems or equipment which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of foster care, or community Foster Care Networks, or community and not-for-profit veterinary clinics
  • Upgrade or extension of current shelter, foster care or low-cost veterinary clinic facilities to improve the welfare of companion animals
  • Establishment of new, low-cost veterinary clinics in areas of need in Victoria
  • Education programs on responsible ownership of animals, including consideration of ethics, sentience and duty of care.

Only one grant application will be permitted per organisation.

Applicants are encouraged to read the round 9 Program Guidelines prior to commencing an application.

Online applications for Round 9 grant funding are now open and close Saturday 12 December 2020 at midnight.

Apply for an Animal Welfare Grant at https://go.vic.gov.au/FcUhG1

For more information about the program contact pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Attention GMID irrigators

Irrigators who received a Farm Irrigation Survey in the mail are urged to complete and return it ASAP.

The data collected will inform an historical record of changes in the use of land and water across the GMID.

Plus...those who return the survey will go in the draw for some mouth-watering Christmas hampers!

Dairy transition survey
Dairy survey

We are conducting a survey to look at the motivations and drivers of dairy farmers transitioning to intensive farming systems (zero grazing).

We are keen to hear from dairy farmers who are planning or have transitioned to an intensive farming system.

The survey closes on 30 November and will inform a project looking to support farmers during the transition process.

If this sounds like you we would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey here

Check your home-grown fruit and veggies for maggots

Have you seen maggots in your home-grown fruit or vegetables?

Agriculture Victoria are encouraging south-west residents to check their gardens and orchards for maggots, to support efforts to monitor for fruit flies in the region.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Project Officer Domestic Quarantine Lavinia Zirnsak said residents should contact Agriculture Victoria if they suspect they have fruit fly maggots in their garden, fruit tree or veggie patch.

'Fruit fly maggots are often found in the centre of the fruit. The maggots are 5 to 10mm long and creamy-white in colour.'
'Fruit flies are usually active from September to May, so now is the time to keep a look-out in your garden or on your farm to see if they are present,' Ms Zirnsak said.

The south-west is at a greater risk of fruit flies spreading from across the border after recent Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks in South Australia.

Mediterranean fruit fly is an exotic species to Victoria and is a significant threat to the state’s multi-million-dollar fruit and vegetable industries.

Ms Zirnsak said anyone who reports a suspect fruit fly infestation within the region will receive a free collection kit from Agriculture Victoria with instructions for submitting a sample for testing.

'It’s as simple as placing the maggot infested piece of fruit or vegetable into a sealed plastic bag and sending it to our laboratory for identification, and then the sender will be notified of the result,' she said.

There are techniques you can use in your home garden to protect your fruit and vegetables.

Ms Zirnsak said it’s important to follow good garden hygiene such as regularly monitoring for presence in your garden, picking fruit and vegetables as they ripen and disposing of unwanted fruit and scraps carefully.

'Other control methods include protecting trees, plants and produce through netting, gazebos and bags, baiting and trapping and using insecticide control,' Ms Zirnsak said.

If you suspect you have fruit fly in your garden in the south-west, please contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

For more information about the management of Queensland fruit fly, see our pages on Queensland Fruit Fly.

Be wise and report floating water weed
Water hyacinth

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging regional Victorians to report sightings of the State prohibited weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

Leading Biosecurity Officer Kaitlin Wright said water hyacinth is one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds.

"An infestation can double in size within two weeks, devastating natural waterways and impacting heavily on aquatic flora and fauna," Ms Wright said.

"Water hyacinth can be identified by its purple flower spikes in summer and thick, fleshy round leaves that sit on the water’s surface.

"It has dark feathery roots that trail in the water below and one plant is capable of producing 3000 seeds in one season," Ms Wright said.

The plant has been illegally sold at some regional markets and online in the past and Agriculture Victoria is concerned that some residents may have innocently bought the ‘pretty but nasty’ plants for their fish tanks, ponds or dams.

"It’s vital that people report any sightings of water hyacinth. Even if you purchased this plant without knowing it was such an invasive weed.

"Please don’t try to control or dispose of the weed yourself. Contact Agriculture Victoria for the safe and secure disposal of plants."

In Victoria, this highly invasive aquatic species is a State prohibited weed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and managed with the aim of eradication from the state.

Agriculture Victorian encourages anyone who thinks they have water hyacinth or have seen it offered for sale, to report it on 136 186 or Weed.Spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Horticulture guidelines for seasonal workers
Hort guidelines

Did you know that all Victorian farm businesses and labour hire agencies involved in seasonal horticulture (fruit and vegetables) must have a Seasonal Horticulture Workers COVIDSafe Plan?

Seasonal Horticulture Workers Guidelines and a Seasonal Horticulture Workers COVIDSafe Plan are available to help make seasonal horticulture workplaces COVIDSafe.

For the Seasonal Horticulture Industry Guidelines, visit:
coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-agriculture-forestry-and-fishing#industry-guidelines

For the COVIDSafe Plan, visit: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/high-risk-covidsafe-plan#seasonal-horticulture

For more information and support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan

Primary producers bushfire support programs
Help for grape growers outside bushfire zones

The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments are continuing to support the agriculture business recovery from the 2019–20 bushfires, with additional support for both inside and outside the fire-affected areas.

The Smoke Taint Grant provides up to $10,000 for business recovery and growth, improvements to make the business more resilient to future disasters, and marketing activities.

It is available to farmers outside the local government areas that are currently eligible for the Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grant and the Small Business Bushfire Support Grant.

For details of the grant and a list of the eligible local government areas, contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.

Small Business Bushfire Support Grant

The new $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grants are open.

  • it's easy to apply
  • you aren't required to upload any financial documents if you don't have them right now
  • you can apply if your business was indirectly affected by the bushfires.

The grant is available for small businesses and primary producers in East Gippsland, Towong, Alpine, Indigo, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Wellington shires who have experienced significant income loss as a result the 2019–20 bushfires.

Eligible activities include meeting standard business costs, seeking financial advice, adjusting the business to be viable in the changed local context following bushfire and improvements to make the business more resilient to future disasters.

The grants are available to eligible small businesses that have suffered a decline in revenue of 40 per cent or more in a relevant three-month period.

Businesses can apply for this grant in addition to other bushfire grants.

For more information contact Rural Finance 1800 260 425 or www.ruralfinance.com.au.

Find out more at www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-victoria.

Victorian Bushfires Concessional Loans

Concessional loans of up to $500,000 are available to support small business, primary producers and non-profit organisations impacted by the Victorian bushfires that began on 21 November 2019.

The loans are for restoring and/or replacing damaged assets and/or to meet working capital expenses.

They are available for eligible wine grape growers in Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Indigo, Mansfield, Moyne, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga.

For further information contact Rural Finance 1800 260 425 or www.ruralfinance.com.au.

Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants

Grants of up to $75,000 to assist primary producers directly affected by the 2019–2020 bushfire with recovery costs. Eligible activities include rebuilding or replacing damaged or destroyed on-farm infrastructure, including fencing and trellises.

Wine grape growers who are located in eligible fire affected local government areas and have had crops affected by smoke taint may be able to claim for costs associated with the salvage, harvest and disposal of the smoke taint affected crops. Where no fire has occurred on the property, evidence of smoke impact, such as smoke taint testing results are required.

Available in eligible fire affected local government areas across Victoria. In the areas of Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Indigo, Mansfield, Moyne, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga, and the alpine areas of Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Mount Stirling.

For further information contact Rural Finance 1800 260 425 or www.ruralfinance.com.au.

Water and septic tank support for fire-affected areas
Water tank rebates for bushfires affected areas

The Victorian Government is helping regional Victorians who lost critical household water infrastructure in the 2019-20 bushfires with up to $20,000 available to replace rainwater and septic tanks.

Rebates, of up to $15,000 for septic tanks and $3,000 for household rainwater tanks, are available to cover up to half of the costs of the purchase and installation of new primary use tank systems to residents rebuilding homes.

To assist with the installation process, up to $1,500 funding is available for any combination of assessments required to get council approval to install or alter a septic system including condition reports undertaken by a qualified plumber and Land Capability Assessments.

Further funding of up to $500 is available to cover the initial refill of a rainwater tank installed as part of the program.

Rebates of up to $2,500 are also available for minor repairs or reconnections required for undamaged tank systems that comply with current standards.

The program is available to households in Alpine, Towong and East Gippsland shires, not connected to reticulated urban water systems, for the replacement, minor repairs or reconnection of primary use rainwater and septic tanks at their primary place of residence.

Rebates are available for works completed since 21 November 2019 and until 31 May 2023.

To apply for the rebates contact your local Bushfire Recovery Victoria hub or visit melbournewater.com.au/RaSTRprogram.

What's on – upcoming webinars

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website. Log on to agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

Ask a Researcher Forum
Researcher Forum

Did you know the amount of milk each cow in Australia produces has doubled since 1970? This would not be possible without research into better breeding and how to use feed more efficiently.

Next week join research scientist Professor Jennie Pryce and WestVic Dairy extension officer Debbie Twiss as they discuss and answer questions about genetic improvement.

The virtual forum will be held at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 2 December. To register go to Dairy Australia’s website: https://tinyurl.com/ATRNGI

You can also read more about Professor Pryce’s work in the latest edition of Dairy Innovation News (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/DINOCT20

Climate Webinars
Climate Webinars

When - 30 November from 12 - 1 pm.

Cost - FREE

Register here

Agriculture Victoria Climate Specialist, Graeme Anderson will talk about using seasonal forecasts and share new tools developed with a GRDC project for south eastern Australia.

Land managers, service providers, researchers and educators are encouraged to subscribe to our climate updates and newsletters.

Any queries can be directed to Climate Development Officer Heather Field at heather.field@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For more information and to subscribe to stay up to date with these upcoming climate webinars visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate

Weed management after fire: supporting native species recovery
Weed webinars

After bushfire, our ecosystems are at their most vulnerable to weed invasion.

Help us support indigenous flora and fauna by managing weeds in bushfire affected areas.

This webinar series focuses on sharing practical knowledge so everyone can contribute to bushfire recovery.

Free webinars Wednesdays 10.30 am to 12.15 pm, though to 16 December.

Register for these online webinars and learn how you can help indigenous species through weed management: https://tinyurl.com/WeedsAfterFire

Webinar 1: Completed – Overview weed management after fire
Speakers will cover the principles of managing weeds after fire, the response for weeds since the January 2020 fires in Victoria, and some sage advice about what can be achieved and the consequences of not managing weeds immediately after fire using a great case study.

Webinar 2: Wednesday 2 December – Prioritisation of weeds after fire
Speakers will cover different ways of working out where to start and which weeds to treat first after fire. There will be some great examples of mapping technology, prioritisation tools, including consideration of early invader weeds.

Webinar 3: Wednesday 9 December – Collaborative projects -weed management after fire
We have a fabulous range of case studies looking at different approaches to protect biodiversity.

Webinar 4: Wednesday 16 December – Weed identification and recording after fire
Learn about identification of environmental weeds, some of the latest technology and tools to assist with identification, and where to put records of what is spreading where.

Hort Innovation AGM

27 November 2020: Hort Innovation Annual General Meeting

Hort Innovation's AGM will be held virtually, with members able to take part via web link or phone.

Members will use their voting entitlements to elect one or more directors to the board, and vote on other matters affecting the company.

All Hort Innovation members that pay a statutory or voluntary horticulture levy have the right to apply for voting entitlements for this year’s AGM, and for any other general meeting of members called between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021.

This is done by submitting an Annual Levy Return form.

AgTech Summit

30 November – 1 December: AgTech Summit

The AgTech Summit will return for its third instalment.

This event is fully virtual, delivered via a live stream and interactive meeting rooms.

Gathering the industry's key stakeholders, the summit will draw on the key issues facing the sector and the growing demand for technological advancement in agriculture.

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Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/contact-us.

Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.

 

 

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