Fire assistance grants now available

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is urging local people affected by the bushfires to take advantage of the grants and assistance programs available.
Dr Sykes said assistance was available to primary producers, small businesses and householders.

“There are various criteria that have to be met, but there are dollars available that will help many people,” he said. “I urge people to take some time to look at the Rural Finance website for the details; it may well be worth it.”

Grants available include a Clean-up and Restoration Grant of up to $3,000 for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, while a supplementary grant of up to $12,000 can be applied for separately or as part of a combined grant/loan.

Concessional loans are also available to primary producers and small businesses whose properties have suffered loss or damage by the direct impact of bushfires.

Householders whose principal residence has been lost or damaged are also eligible to apply. Voluntary not-for-profit organisations which have suffered physical damage as a result of bushfire will be considered for a concessional loan. Further information for not-for-profit organisations can be obtained from Rural Finance.

The Clean-up and Restoration Grants and Bushfire Assistance Loans are being administered by Rural Finance and can be used for a variety of purposes.
These include clean-up costs, such as hire of equipment, materials and labour, removal of debris and damaged goods and materials, restoration, payment for safety inspections, repairs to buildings other than housing and fencing not covered by any other assistance.

Salvaging crops, grain and feed, livestock and poultry health and the purchase or hire/lease costs for equipment essential to the immediate resumption of farming can also attract funds, as can the cartage of water.

Dr Sykes said information about the various assistance was available on the Rural Finance website, www.ruralfinance.com.au or through the nearest Rural Finance office or from the DPI Fire Recovery Centre based in Benalla on 5761 1590. Bushfire relief information was also available through Local Government authorities.

What's on in Wangaratta - Jan 26 2007

This is edition 84 of the Rural City of Wangaratta E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe simply enter your email address in the subscription box at the bottom of the newsletter and it will be sent upon publication.

Small grants for small rural communities

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, advises all not-for-profit organisations that the Small Grants for Rural Communities Program is once again being offered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) in 2007. Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or less will receive priority.

Dr Sykes said, “The total pool of funding is $300,000. Grants of up to $5,000 are being made available to small rural & regional not-for-profit organisations that have projects and activities that aid the sustainability of their community. The program is simple and straight forward with a swift application and approval process.

Dr Sykes continued, “This has been a valuable program and I am pleased that the following community organisations in the Benalla Electorate were successful in the past round of funding - Tawonga CFA, Euroa Health Inc and the Myrtleford Apex Club.

The program has been made possible by the support of The R E Ross Trust, The Myer Foundation, The Pratt Foundation, The William Buckland Foundation, Perpetual Trustees, The Sylvia & Charles Viertel Foundation and FRRR.

Applications that support the following areas of interest will be given preference:

· Community hardship in drought affected areas;
· Community infrastructure;
· Resettlement of immigrants in rural Australia;
· Retention of young people in rural & Regional Australia;

There are two rounds of small grants per year. Closing dates for applications are
31 March 2007 and 30 September 2007.

Dr Sykes concluded, “On my travels around the electorate I have many requests for funding. This round of FRRR funding focuses on small communities, and I encourage the many towns in the Electorate of Benalla who are eligible to apply.”

Application forms, guidelines and further information can be obtained from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal website http://www.frrr.org.au,
Freecall 1800 170 020 or via email to info@frrr.org.au.

Application forms are also available by contacting Peta Clark, Grants Researcher, at Bill Sykes’ office on 5762 2100.

Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s (CAV) relocation to Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre will allow staff greater access to the region’s most vulnerable consumers, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Daniel Andrews said today.

Consumer Affairs staff were officially welcomed to the building today by Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Don Joyce and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Sharp.

Mr Andrews said the relocation was a great move as it allowed CAV to work closely with local councils and Department for Victorian Communities on projects improving services to local residents.

“CAV is especially keen to work closely with council staff providing services to elderly and vulnerable residents as these are the people usually targeted by dodgy traders, telemarketers and scammers,” Mr Andrews said.

“In the past 18 months, the office has assisted almost 2500 people with consumer related enquiries. Over half of those enquiries were dealt with face-to-face. The office also assisted with 1164 telephone enquiries, conciliated 398 complaints and visited 196 regional traders,” he said.

Mr Andrews said it was excellent to see the Wangaratta shop front being frequently accessed by residents and businesses wanting advice and assistance on a range of tenancy and consumer issues and queries.

“I’m sure the new location will ensure CAV assists even more people needing advice as well as protecting consumers from scams,” Mr Andrews said.

Wangaratta is one of seven offices across regional Victoria operated by the Bracks Government as part of its commitment to provide consumer advice and services to all Victorians, no matter where they live.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Member for Northern Victoria, Kaye Darveniza said Consumer Affairs’ Indigenous Consumers Unit and Multicultural Consumers Unit also formed part of the Regional Network to ensure diversity in the regions is recognised.

“The Wangaratta office also operates a mobile service across the region to improve accessibility, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers located in smaller, more remote towns,” Ms Darveniza said.

The mobile service regularly visits the towns of Alexandra, Benalla, Cobram, Corryong, Euroa, Mansfield, Mrytleford, Rutherglen, Seymour, Shepparton and Wodonga.

Victorians can contact CAV on 1300 55 81 81 or www.consumer.vic.gov.au . Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre is located on the municipal offices site at 62-68 Ovens Street.

Nationals Scholarship Program for Young Leaders

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, encourages students beginning tertiary studies this year to apply for The Nationals Scholarship Program for Young Leaders.

Dr Sykes said the scholarship program was designed to assist students from rural Victoria through their chosen tertiary course. The total value of the scholarship is $15,000 which may be shared amongst one or more successful applicants.

“The Nationals are keen to encourage students who aspire to live and work in country Victoria at the completion of their tertiary studies,” said Dr Sykes.

“The response last year to the first round of the scholarship program was very positive, with many talented young students demonstrating their desire to build a life in rural and regional Victoria.

“The Nationals recognise the extra costs associated with going to university or TAFE for young people from the country who often have to move long distances away from home to continue their education,” he said.

“This scholarship offers students financial help with their studies and will hopefully bring promising young leaders back to country Victoria to live and work.”
The scholarship is open to students aged between 16 and 25 who are attending their first year of a recognised Victorian tertiary institution commencing in 2007.
The selection criteria will include the applicant’s academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement.

Applications are now welcomed and will close on 25 February 2007. Forms can be downloaded from The Nationals website: www.vic.nationals.org.au.

Application forms and information can also be obtained from Dr Sykes; office Tel: 5762 2100.

Flogging a dead horse called "Rainfall"

This is conventional drought management in Australia. This is what is called 'flogging the land'.

If there was an RSPCA for soils, this farmer would be prosecuted for cruelty. Cruelty to the biological communities that live in it. Cruelty to the poor plants that try to grow to feed his sheep. Cruelty to his sheep for depriving them of nutritious pasture. Crulety to his financial position. And cruelty to the public image of farming.When you hear the words 'sustainable' used in agriculture, know that what you see here is unsustainable because there is only one place this operation is headed: down the chute.

Many farmers hang on to their stock for as long as they can... until their soil is bare and even the roots of the plants have been consumed by starving stock... until their stock are so weakened they can barely walk onto the truck to go to market... where their presence under the public eye is an embarrassment to those concerned with the industry's image. Why do they do it? These words came out of the mouth of one of our neighbours last week: "You try to hold on to your stock as long as possible because if it rains that's when you can make some money."*

These are the bare hills on the Sofala Road to Bathurst. Flogged bare. The day before, during a heavy rainstorm, we saw whole hillsides of powdered topsoil slipping in sheets down towards the gullies where it will be carried away.

Farmers are the biggest gamblers in the world. They bet on the weather. In Australia. They 'bet the farm' on 'an Autumn break' to get a crop or to give them some fodder to go into the Winter non-growing season. They have heard about 'risk management' - some of them have been to government-funded 2-day seminars. Our neighbour said the government had offered them $3000 to learn about farming. "But what could they teach me?" our neighbour said, without a hint of irony.. Nothing to learn. Been doing it so long... the same way. Flogging out the land during the regular droughts.

I am in awe of the knowledge of many conventional farmers. They can tell when it's going to rain. They can turn a piece of wire into any impliment they need. They can work like navvies. And they listen to new information and take it or leave it. They husband the land, looking after it as best they can. They also husband their animals, looking after them. I can think of 5 or 6 farmers in our district who fit this description. Then there are the others. Greenpeace uses them as targets to damage the entire industry. Some industry politicians will openly support these people while privately they bemoan the damage they do.

I can feel a song coming on. (Orchestra rises in background...

It's what their fathers' taught them.
It's what their neighbours do.
They wont read what you send them.
They don't want nothin' new.
Not from wankers like you.

You grow more grass than they can
They blame in on the rain
F'you ran the stock that they ran
You're understocked, it's plain
N' you're new to the farmin' game

*Just a glimpse of country life: We were speaking to this neighbour because their cattle were coming onto our place and eating our pastures because they'd eaten out their owner's place and even eaten out the next door neighbour's place (it is currently not being used by its owners). Now they were coming across the river and eating our paddocks out. "Well, if they're coming across the river there's not much we can do," said our neighbour. Uamby has traditionally been used as a 'Common' by neighbours who can't understand why time controlled graziers like us go ballistic if we move our sheep into the next paddock in the cell only to find it full of cow shit and empty of feed. They get a look of 'whaddaya complaining about?' when we see them about it.

This photo shows how 30 cattle cleared out a small paddock in less than a day before moving on to attack other paddocks. Here in the country, it's not cool to complain about the theft of your pasture in a drought. It reinforces the old saying: "Good fences do good neighbours make."

# posted by Michael Kiely @ 6:04 PM on the BLOG, "Diary of a Carbon Farmer"

Wangaratta Water Pipeline Project

Watchdog readers will be aware that I am fiercely protective of the Lake William Hovell water being retained for its intended purpose of irrigating the King Valley.

As previously reported, the Rural City of Wangaratta's suggested pipeline from Lake William Hovell to Wangaratta is not such an original idea. Back in 1944 - 62 years ago - the Chronicle report below plans for two reservoirs, a major project by State Rivers and a second one to supply Wangaratta. You can read the 1944 article at: http://gnaylor.blogspot.com/2006/08/councillors-on-tour-to-head-of-king.html

Well it is on the agenda again and the council is to be commended for looking to the future of Wangartatta's water supply ... as long as they do not jeopardise the valley's livelihood.

BUSINESS PAPER – ORDINARY MEETING – WANGARATTA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 23 JANUARY 2007

Item 10.2.1.2 WANGARATTA WATER PIPELINE PROJECT
Water Supply Issues 82.090.002

Background
Further to previous information on this matter, a scoping report is now underway funded by a state government grant of $20,000.

The scoping report, to be undertaken by Earth Tech Consultants, will identify and consolidate all the benefits associated with securing Wangaratta’s future water supply regarding the various piping projects into a scoping study. While there has been some preliminary work done on piping projects in the past, there is a need to consolidate this work and fully articulate the benefits of providing secure water supplies for Wangaratta and surrounding areas.

The scoping study will provide an effective tool to help maintain the necessary momentum for the future stages of this project. It is anticipated that the study could be used to help lay the foundation for a fully blown feasibility study.

The purpose of this scoping study is not to provide a feasibility study on the various projects but instead to ensure that all benefits associated with ensuring Wangaratta’s water supply have been identified and outlined.

The project is expected to identify but not be restricted to the following aspects;
· Securing Wangaratta’s water supply into the future
· Potential to secure the water supply of other townships in the region, particularly Myrtleford
· The potential to attract and retain key industries and businesses within the region, particularly Wangaratta
· The possibility to increase the value or volume of high value agricultural crops by methods such as irrigation under pressure
· Improved tourism opportunities
· The economic benefits associated with the construction of a pipeline (albeit temporary)
· Potential to generate electricity from hydro-generators
· Improved environmental flows, via reduced evaporation
· Options to treat waste water from Wangaratta
· Any detrimental issues associated with the scoping study.

Key tasks;
· Work with a steering group comprising rural City of Wangaratta to Regional Development Victoria to ensure all completed reports (and research) regarding piping projects have been identified.
· Drawing on these source documents clearly compare the benefits and costs associated with different options
· Verify that the benefits and costs of different projects are still applicable
· Based on the best available information provide a ranking of the various options according to best value and highest net benefit
· Identify the necessary future steps required to implement the project
· To utilise all relevant information to develop a scoping report.

Earth Tech won the consultancy in an open tender process conducted in December 2006. A six week response to complete the project is required and on this basis it is expected that the scoping report will be available by the end of February.

Recommendation - That the report be noted.

Tatong fire - Update 6.00pm - 19 Jan

Information on the Tatong fire.

The fire has burnt approximately 33,000 hectares.19/01/2007

Despite rain falling across the North East , CFA and DSE are reminding residents to remain alert for their safety and that areas around the fire are still considered dangerous.

Rain extended across the majority of the fire area last night has hampered fuel reduction burns.
Fuel reduction burns were planned for several areas but have been abandoned until conditions become more favourable.

However, the rain has allowed a direct attack on the fire edge to be made, as well as significant work on asset protection.

The main fire edge remains in the vicinity of Bunstons, just south of Wombat Hill.

Despite the rain, the fire threat for the weekend remains high, with hot dry winds and temperatures expected to reach the mid 30s.

There are no current threat messages.

Anyone travelling through fire affected areas should be aware of the significant risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks

Keep tuned to ABC for further updates.

Safety advice for public in the affected area:

Rain has caused the tracks and roads to be slippery, and the risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks in and around fire affected areas is significant.

Residents should be patrolling their homes and checking roof spaces, under floor spaces and areas where leaves commonly gather to ensure that nothing is burning.

Property fence lines are often damaged during a fire, therefore all persons travelling throughout the fire affected area should be aware of wandering livestock on roads

Anyone travelling through areas affected by fire should be alert to the significant risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks.

For information on road closures in the area please go to the Vic Roads website.

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Tatong Fire Map (.jpeg format) (jpg, 1.7Mb - large file)

Tatong fire update 8.35pm - 18 Jan

Information on the Tatong fire.

The fire has burnt approximately 33,000 hectares.18/01/2007

Despite rain falling across the North East today, CFA and DSE are reminding residents to remain alert. Areas around the fire should still be considered dangerous.

Rain has caused roads to be slippery and the risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks in and around fire affected areas is significant. The rain extended across the majority of the fire area this afternoon and has hampered some fire crew operations.

Fuel reduction burns were planned for several areas but have been abandoned until conditions become more favourable. However, the rain has allowed a direct attack on the fire edge to be made, as well as significant work on asset protection. The main fire edge remains in the vicinity of Bunstons, just south of Wombat Hill.

Despite the rain, the fire threat for the weekend remains high, with hot dry winds and temperatures expected to reach the high 30s.

Current threat messages
Anyone travelling through areas affected by fire should be alert to the significant risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks.

Community meetings for Friday 19 January 2007

Tolmie at 9am in the Community Hall
Merrijig at 11am in the Community Hall

For information on road closures in the area please go to the Vic Roads website.

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Tatong fire (JPG file) (jpg, 1.7Mb - large file)

Tatong fire update & map - 7.00 pm - 17 Jan

This fire has continued to spread and is now in excess of 27,000 hectares. Temperature in the area remains high. The fire has made several runs to the south but the remainder of the fire is within containment lines.

Reduced fire behaviour today has allowed fire crews to complete several containment lines around the Tatong fire today ahead of extreme fire conditions expected later this week. The main fire line is now as far south as Bunstons just below Wombat Hill and is bordered to the south west along Spring Creek Road and Lowes Lane to the head of Sawpit Gully Road. The numerous spot fires reported earlier south of the main fire have now been contained or overtaken by the fire front. Fire remains active in the vicinity of Spring Creek and to the south of the Burders Lane and the Bunstons area.

Crews have completed control lines along the west and south eastern edges of the fire today, and the 20km strategic fall back control line along Long Lane to the south of the fire has been completed to the Midland Highway.

Overnight, fire crews are planning on burning out the 300 - 400 hectares that remain unburnt under the high voltage transmission lines that were affected by fire yesterday.

Good progress has been made with patrolling and blacking out in the northern areas of Watchbox, Boggy Creek and Whitlands, where fire remains subdued. Patrolling and blacking out is continuing in the western regions of the fire, and containment lines are holding in the south west.

Although the fire behaviour has been less active today, residents should still be aware of the possibility of fire activity and smoke in their area. Weather predictions for later in the week are for high temperatures over 40 degrees and possible thunderstorms.

Property Loss

Inspections today have identified property losses including 5 houses and 20 out buildings/sheds. In addition, the number of confirmed livestock lost is around seventy and includes deer, cattle and a significant number of poultry.

Threat Messages

There are no threat messages in place at this time.

Power Supply - Alternative Sources

As demonstrated yesterday with the power outages caused by the fires which are burning in proximity of major power lines, residents relying solely on electricity for pumps and other essential equipment are urged to consider alternative sources in case of possible cuts to power supply.

Road Closures

For road closures in the area please visit the VicRoads website.

For further information on the current fire situation listen to your local ABC radio and for bushfire information and safety advice contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the DSE website.

Map of Tatong fire area (jpg, 841Kb - large file)

Gravel roads severly impacted during Drought

With the Rural City of Wangaratta currently experiencing severe drought conditions, the ability of Council to maintain its gravel roads has been adversely impacted.

To enable effective gravel road maintenance, a certain degree of moisture is required within the gravel to achieve satisfactory levels of compaction and for the gravel material to coagulate/bond.

Attempts to carry out maintenance activities without moisture results in sub-standard road conditions and in the longer term is detriment to the road.

Unfortunately Council does not consider the use of water carts / trucks to be viable as this is both cost prohibitive and draws on what is already an extreme shortage of water.

Council will endeavour to resume all necessary routine road maintenance activities at the earliest opportunity, however should road conditions become hazardous in the interim, please contact Council's customer services team on (03) 5722 0888.

The Rural City of Wangaratta thanks residents for their patience during this period and takes this opportunity to urge all motorists to drive safely and according to road conditions.

Tatong fire update - 10.00pm - 16 Jan

Threat messages have been issued for Burders Lane, Archerton, Toombullup & Tolmie areas today.

Residents in these areas are being advised to prepare for spot fires and ember attack.

Temperatures for Wednesday will be around 38° and winds up to 35 kph.

Residents should also be aware that there could be electrical brown outs or black outs in the area and this may impact on some residents bushfire plans. Residents who will be depending on electric pumps to provide fire fighting water should reconsider their fire plans to ensure that it is still appropriate to stay or change their plans to be safely out of the area early in the morning.
Crews will continue to work on the southern edge of the fire in an attempt to hold the fire within containment lines

Threat Messages

CFA and DSE advises that properties in the vicinity west of Burders Lane is under immediate attack from the fire front. Residents are urged to patrol their properties to check for ember attack and spot fires and remain vigilant.

CFA air resources are currently protecting the community assets.

Masons Road, Upper 15 Mile Creek Road and Healys Road are currently under ember attack and possible spot fires.

DSE and CFA wish to advise residents of Archerton that fire has spotted on the northern side of private land. Residents should be on full alert and prepare for impact from the fire shortly. They should take all precautions to protect themselves from radiant heat.

In addition the fire has spotted north of Spring Creek Road and across the Brewsters Subdivision into the Wombat Hill area. Residents of Toombullup, Tolmie and the Bunstons Subdivision will continue to experience heightened ember attack and spot fires will grow in size. Residents are urged to patrol their properties to check for ember attack and spot fires as long as it is safe to do so.

Road Closures

For road closures in the area please visit the VicRoads website.
For further information on the current fire situation listen to your local ABC radio and for bushfire information and safety advice contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the DSE website.

Philip McGuire reports Bluff Hut destroyed by fire

JUST received the sad news that The Bluff Hut has been burned down.

The Bluff joins Westons Hut and Craigs Hut as victims of this terrible summer. No doubt the greens and the Victorian National Parks Association will be jumping for joy but one thing is certain - all these icons of Australia's bush heritage will be rebuilt with or without the consent of Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

The Bluff Hut was originally built by Eadley Stoney but has been maintained for the past 30 or so years by his son, Graeme.

Many good times have spent around its fire, and happy memories created only to be lost in the flames of an unnecessary wildfire.

When almost everything you love has been stolen from you there is no loss in fighting to regain it. Mountain Cattlemen have been pushed beyond breaking point by this government and unless Mr Bracks and Mr Thwaites decide to negotiate it seems that a confrontation is inevitable.

The bush is angry, perhaps more angry than it has ever been.

While Gippsland and the north-east burns DSE is still trying to push country people out of their own territory. Last week DSE told the Barmah Cattlemen to remove their stock from the Barmah Forest by January 31. The order came accompanied by a request that the cattlemen not speak to the media.

Neither the order nor the request is likely to be obeyed.

Push has come to shove and the bush is about to push back hard.

Spare a thought for Graeme Stoney and for the Weston/Goldsworthy family

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Tatong fire update and latest map - 6:00 pm - 15 Jan

The Tatong Fire has broken containment lines along the southern edge of the fire and is threatening private property. The fire jumped the containment line this afternoon and is spreading quickly in a southerly direction.

The fire is generating large amounts of smoke in the area of Ryan's Creek but this area is not under threat.

Threat messages are current for residents in the Toombullup, Archerton and Tolmie area, along with Burders Lane and Whitlands.

Additional fire fighting resources have re-deployed to the Tolmie area and fire crews are working with the community to implement their asset protection plan.

All available water-bombing aircraft are currently assisting fire crews with asset protection.

Threat Messages
Residents in Toombullup, Archerton and Tolimie have been advised that they are likely to be affected by spot fires and ember attack.

Residents in Whitlands and the Burdens Ln area have been advised that they are likely to be affected by the Tatong fire front.

Community Meetings
A community fire meeting has been planned for 8pm tonight at the Tolmie Hall if fire conditions permit.

Road Closures
For road closures in the area please visit the VicRoads website http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home.

For further information on the current fire situation listen to your local ABC radio and for bushfire information and safety advice contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the CFA or DSE websites.

Tatong fire map (small size) (jpg, 498Kb)

Nationals propose regional tourism recovery plan

The Nationals are proposing a multi-million dollar regional tourism recovery plan focused on encouraging Melburnians to take their own ‘autumn break’ and offering discounted accommodation deals for CFA volunteers.

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan says the number of domestic visitors to regional Victoria has slumped in recent years and the combined impacts of the drought and bushfires have exacerbated the situation.

The Nationals are also urging the State Government to investigate options for direct assistance to small business operators who have been severely disadvantaged by the fires.

“We need a recovery plan in place immediately to help these viable regional business operators get through the next 12 months,” Mr Ryan said.

“The number of Victorians visiting destinations in their own state has slumped since 1999. The ongoing drought conditions and this summer’s bushfires have added to the problem.

“Many small businesses in rural and regional areas are facing a tough 12 months with reduced cashflow after poor visitor numbers in the normal peak period. They don’t expect a hand out, but they would appreciate a helping hand.”

The Nationals tourism recovery plan supports an ‘autumn break’ marketing campaign targeted at the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The proposal also includes discount accommodation coupons for the state’s 58,000 CFA volunteers and the recruitment of ‘tourism ambassadors’ to promote regional events and attractions.

“The concept of an ‘autumn break’ normally refers to the agricultural industry but our tourism small businesses need their own autumn break this year,” Mr Ryan said.

“Autumn is a great time to visit country areas with the vibrant colors of the Murray and the north-east, milder weather in the Wimmera and Gippsland and smaller crowds in our coastal resorts.

“We should be promoting the fact that regional Victoria is a year-round destination – not just a place for summer holidays.

“With an ounce of good luck, we will have some rain by early autumn and the high country will also be starting to recover from the fires.”

Mr Ryan said the Bracks Government should coordinate a system of accommodation coupons for all CFA volunteers to take a break in regional Victoria.

“The government and local businesses could work together to offer discounted accommodation in recognition of the outstanding service by our volunteers over the summer period,” Mr Ryan said.

“I’m sure that many tourism business operators would be prepared to offer discounts to CFA personnel and the government could coordinate the production of a coupon booklet.

“If anyone needs a holiday it is the men and women who volunteer to fight these fires. By April and May this year, they will be ready for their own ‘autumn break’ and discounted accommodation packages – supported by the State Government – would help to promote regional areas.”

The Nationals are also calling for V/Line fares to be halved during autumn to make public transport more affordable.

Key points of The Nationals Tourism Recovery Plan

Four-week ‘autumn break’ marketing campaign focused on advertising in Melbourne metropolitan area. Estimated cost: $2.5 million.

Appoint tourism ambassadors to undertake 12 months roadshow promoting regional attractions and events at shopping centres etc. Estimated cost: $500,000.

Liaise with local tourism businesses to coordinate production of booklet featuring discounted tourism accommodation packages for CFA volunteers. Estimated cost: $150,000.

Investigate options for direct financial assistance for regional small business owners suffering as a direct result of the bushfires.

Halve the price of V/Line fares during autumn. Estimated cost: $3 million.

Increase matching funding for marketing and promotion of regional events. Estimated cost: $2 million.

Fast track grants program to rebuild tourism-related infrastructure on public land in regional areas damaged by fires. Cost to be evaluated.

Tatong fires update and maps- 7.15 pm - 14 Jan

The Tatong fire is now 16,000 hectares and is continuing to spread within containment lines in a northerly direction.

Fire crews are making steady progress on the 30-kilometre backburn along the western and southern edges. When this backburn is completed it will help protect communities south of the fire and high valued forest plantations.

Crews today completed about half of the backburn. Weather permitting night crews are being tasked with igniting the remaining 17 kilometres tonight.

Additional resources have been specifically deployed for the operation, and the co-operation and shared expertise between CFA, DSE and firefighters from Hancocks Plantations had contributed to the successful progression of the burn.

Spotting activity north and east of the main fire continues to pose issues for crews. Asset protection has remained the primary objective for firefighters in the northern part of the fire.

Threat Messages
Threat messages remain current for properties in the vicinity of Myrrhee, Whitfield, Boggy Creek Valley, Burders Road, Watchbox Creek and Molyullah. Residents in these areas could experience spotting activity and ember attack from the fire.

Road Closures
For road closures in the area please visit the VicRoads website http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home.
For further information on the current fire situation listen to your local ABC radio and for bushfire information and safety advice contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the CFA or DSE websites.

Small file map (jpg, 563Kb - large file) Large file map (pdf, 2.0Mb - large file)

Over the fence - review of the week to 14 Jan 2006

Local CFA volunteers have not had a break since 1st December when the state wide fires began around Whitfield. Although those fires have moved on, the CFA volunteers have been helping out in Gippsland and not without escaping a plane crash on the way to the fires.

Then the bushfires returned to the Tatong and Myrrrhee valleys on Thursday. Watching it happen from the Banksdale vineyards, it was obvious that this fire was moving much faster than the December fires did.

This fire is shaping up to be more dangerous than the December outbreaks as the winds are from the south east an opposed to the north west of the last fires. That means the fires are burning towards homes instead of into the uninhabited state forests.

In the aftermath of the December fires, it was found that few native animals had been lost. Local landowners have called for better access for CFA vehicles during emergency situations and the authorities warned of an increased risk of toxic outbreaks in our water supplies. It was also reported that Dartmouth Dam continues to dwindle.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has responded by reviving their pipedream of piping water from Lake Buffalo or Lake William Hovell. The Watchdog though this was a bit rough and sent a letter off to the Chronicle. The latest information indicated the preferred option to be the Lake Buffalo plan.

The Mountain Cattlemen. including our own Cr Neville Wright, took a mob of cattle to the Bogong High Plains in protest to the state governments bans. The leader of the expedition, Philip McGuire, explains the reasons behind this bold move.

Although the Mount Buffalo Chalet decided to call it a day last week, the management hoped for a meeting with Parks Victoria to secure the future of the buildings. With support from Sophie Mirabella, there might be a future in the chalet yet.

People who made the news this week included Vanessa and Harry Hildebrand with their adventures in Peru and the Amazon jungle whilst Steven Bergamin was committed to trial accused of a winery bomb plot.

Philip McGuire has his say on high plains grazing

WE'RE back from the high plains and we did what we said we would do.

Cattle from Mt Bundarrah Station returned to The Bogongs on January 10, 2007.

The media has described us as defiant cattlemen and Environment Minister, John Thwaites, claims we are breaking the law.

Nevertheless, we had a legal and moral right to take the action and if any laws have been broken it is by Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

If Mr Thwaites wants to take the matter further we encourage him to bring it on. By the time this summer of fire and discontent is over he might have more than Bundarrah cattle on the high plains to contend with.

We took our action for a number of reasons, initially because we had to the right to graze our runs this season. But just as importantly the cattle will play a vital role in protecting the high plains from wildfire as the country dries out by late summer. Thirdly, there is no feed in the home paddocks thanks to the drought and finally we are defending Australia's heritage and culture.

Mr Thwaites and his Premier, Mr Bracks, can rest assured that we are prepared to fight this battle right to the end, to the High Court if necessary.

The Government can't steal people's heritage, culture and traditions, their livelihood and the rights enjoyed by previous generations and expect them to lie down and accept it.

This summer has proven that the criminally negligent management of the Alpine National Park by the Bracks government is destroying both our cultural and environmental heritage. Historic Westons Hut on lake Spur burned down a couple of weeks ago and a number of native animals including the Long Footed Potaroo, Mountain Pygmy Possum, Spotted Quoll and the Green Tree Frog may well have taken their last steps toward extinction.

I have challenged Bracks and Thwaites to a public debate on their destructive management practices and my right to graze my licence areas this season. The lack of respose has been deafening. They will not even respond to letters from our solicitors.

It appears at this stage that the Government is exercising its right to remain silent.

A few pictures of our drove can be seen at http://rebel-drovers.blogspirit.com/

More will be added shortly. Click on the archives to see all the pics or you'll only see those most recently added.

We'd like to thank everyone who helped out on the day for their hard work and support.

Drovers:
Michael Sandy
Doug Treasure
Jim Coleman
Wendy Stoney
Ben Gazzardi
Sue Noble
Cathy Junor
Neville Wright
Ros Wright
Jen
Trish

Vehicle back-up
Bob Richardson
Peter Ellard
Evan

Bob and Peter did a fantastic job on the day handling media enquiries, manning the UHF radios, guiding in the ABC chopper and generally keeping the show on the road

---

13 January 2007, 9:24:05 AM | Philip Maguire

Tatong fires update - 9.20 am - 14 Jan 07

MAJOR BACK BURNING AT TATONG FIRE CONTINUES TODAY
Fire crews worked tirelessly over night on a major back-burn operation along the western and southern edges of the Tatong fire to protect communities south of the fire and high value forest plantations.

Additional resources were specifically deployed for this operation, to establish a stronger control line on the western and southern flanks of the fire before predicted northerly winds early next week push the fire to the south.

The fires are taking place inside the containment lines, using up the fuel that might otherwise have added to the fires.

Containment lines have now been completed around the northern edge of the fire with the fires still active within these containment lines.
Fires remain under the influence of light to moderate, south to southeasterly winds.

Fire crews remain alert for potential spot overs.

Residents in fire affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and keep up to date on conditions in their locality. They are advised so keep listening to ABC radio and local community radio stations for updates

Threat Messages

A threat message is current for properties in the vicinity of Myrrhee, Banksdale, Whitlands and Molyullah that they may come under direct threat of fire.

Properties between Benalla Whitfield Rd and Boggy Ck Valley may come under ember attack and be impacted by spot fires as fire behaviour intensifies.

What's on in Wangaratta - Jan 12 2007

This is edition 83 of the Rural City of Wangaratta E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe simply enter your email address in the subscription box at the bottom of the newsletter and it will be sent upon publication.

Information on Tatong Fire 6.30pm - 13 Jan 07

Fire crews are in readiness to conduct a major back-burn operation along the Western and Southern edges of the Tatong Fire to protect communities South of the fire and high value forest plantations. Additional resources have been deployed tonight for the operation which will only be lit if conditions are suitable. The operation will provide greater protection for communities South of the fire, including the Tolmie and Toombullop areas.

The 25 kilometre back-burn, along Tiger Hill, will increase the area burnt by the fire, and will create a lot of additional smoke.

Good progress has been made on control lines and other asset protection works including the Mt Bellview Tower, which provides vital communications for emergency services.

Fire behaviour has increased this afternoon as weather conditions deteriorated causing the fire to spot well ahead of the main front. Asset protection continues to be the primary objective, particularly in the northern part of the fire."

Ground crews have been supported by water-bombing helicopters, the Erickson Air-Crane and Sikorsky S61, which have operated from the Molyullah staging area.

The fire, which was started by lightning on Thursday afternoon, has burnt more than 13,000 hectares of forest and private property.

Community Meetings
Saturday January 13
Molyullah CFA Station, 7pm

Sunday January 14
Tolmie Hall, 9 am
Greta South Hall, 12noon

Weather
The fire is continuing to spread under the influence of a Southerly wind of 30 kph with gusts of 40 kphs. The maximum temperature today reached 30 degrees.
Tomorrow, 20 kph winds from the South are predicted with gusts of 30 kphs. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees.

On Monday the wind direction is expected to change to the North East with temperatures in the mid 30s.

Road Closures
The following road closures currently apply.

Watchbox Creek Road at O'Dea Road
O'Dea Road at Watchbox Creek Road
Upper Ryan Creek Road at Kilfeera Road
Tiger Hill Road at Tatong
Mansfield-Whitfield Road from Egan Track to Manson's Road
Boggy Creek Road from Moyhu to Myrrhee
Mansfield-Whitfield Road from the Tatong-Tolmie Road to Whitfield
Benalla/Whitfield Rd from Kilfeera Road (Greta South) to Whitfield
Wangaratta/Whitfield Rd at Whitfield

For further information about state-wide road closures visit http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
Tatong Map - Small File (jpg, 558Kb - large file)

RCoW drives wedge into City-V-Rural divide

If ever you doubted the city-centric nature of the Wangaratta Council, look at Wednesday's Chronicle lead article, "Crunch time on pipeline".

In the very week that the North East Catchment Management Authority closed down the King River irrigation system, the RCoW has appointed consultants to look into running a large diameter pipeline from either Lake Buffalo or Lake William Hovell.

Talk about kicking a man whilst he is down!

The very livelihood of the King Valley grape growers, the dairy farmers, and their local employees, has been compromised by the irrigation ban, yet the Council brief is to look at the advantages, the beneficiaries and new opportunities to be gained by the urban community of Wangaratta.

It does not look at the disadvantages to those employed in the rural industries, the rural victims of the loss of water, or the lost opportunities of the farmers and horticulturists.

A recent RCoW 'Drought News' publication showed that whilst all the rural areas are already on or expected to be on stage four water restrictions, the urban area of Wangaratta is not expected to have the same limitations applied.

Two years ago, the residents voted for a 20 megalitre storage in College Street. It seems that was not enough as the local newspapers recently reported a surge in water use after water restrictions had been applied.

This move has driven a wedge into the city-V-rural divide that our councillors are so keen to deny.

Over the fence - review of the week to 7 Jan 2006

With the first week of 2007 already behind us we find that Albury/Wodonga had its dryest year on record, Wangaratta had its second dryest year ever whilst Lake Hume was at its lowest level since 1968.

Commercially, the drought may help the wine industry recovery with fewer grapes to be harvested this year but the industry will have to bear the brunt of any rise in the value of the Australian dollar.

However, the cattle markets at Wodonga and Wangaratta got off to a profitable start to the new year with interstate buyers swooping on the available quality cattle.

The bushfire aftermath unfolded with the government urging people to visit the North East and the RCoW running a marketing campaign to get visitors back into the King Valley. The state government has started to throw some money at fire affected businesses whilst the Cheshunt community held a self-help public meeting and other communities have been raising funds for local CFA brigades.

The bushfires have affected town water supplies and money has been raised for injured wildlife. DPI and other agencies have also been active in assessing the bushfire impact of farming livestock. The bushfirea have also been the final straw in closing the debt ridden Mt Buffalo Chalet.

Lobby group Regional Cities Victoria will be headed for the first time by a Wangaratta mayor after Cr Don Joyce was selected to be chairman for the new year.

Don is still confident of receiving the $4.5m arts funding in the New Year to build the proposed Perorming Arts Centre. However, the demolition of the Town Hall remains an issue for council to resolve.

On the sporting front, Oxley rodeo star Brad Pierce has returned to Western Texas College after sweeping through a host of North East rodeos this summer whilst the O'Connor family from Greta has made the annual trek to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to compete at the Australian Whipcracking Championships.