Times
www.gippslandtimes.com.au andtimes.com.au
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020
GIPPSLAND
$1.70 Inc. GSTT Tel: 5143 9333 33
& MAFFRA SPECTATOR PAGE 4
PAGE 7
ISO FLU FUN JABS
RUSH ON GAMES, PUZZLES WEATHER
Tuesday Partly cloudy - Min: 6 Max: 18
IN SHO SHORT ORT SUPPLY
Wednesday Shower or two - Min: 9 Max: 14
Thursday Partly cloudy - Min: 5 Max: 15
INSIDE
PropertyGuide GippslandTimes
Victorian restrictions ease from tomorrow
Premier Daniel Andrews announced yesterday social distancing restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 would ease from 11.59pm tonight. “It’s not about having a rotating roster of acquaintances and associates – or your third best friend from primary school – over for a visit,” he said. “This is about seeing those you need to – if you need to. We’re asking Victorians to limit their circle to just family and friends. That means that when we do have outbreaks and positive cases – and we will – we can test and trace and effectively contain the spread.” Full story, page 3 Liz Bell and Peter Hill
Rain doesn’t end the pain The wet start to the year has been welcomed by all farmers, but it’s the long term picture that’s proving concerning. Pictured, Briagolong farmer Greg Dunsmuir, who says he hasn’t the energy to restock after three years of drought. Photo: Liz Bell
RECENT welcome rainfall across much of Gippsland, including Wellington Shire, has brought a renewed sense of hope to the region’s farmers, with some cautiously suggesting the drought may be beginning to break. Stradbroke farmers say Merriman Creek is flowing better than it has for years, while at Warrigal Creek, Darriman, Elizabeth Balderstone said prospects for the season were good. “We had an okay spring and summer and we have had close to three inches in the last week which sets us up for winter, and if we get a good spring we should have a good year,” she said. Ms Balderstone said the creeks flowing out of the Mullungdung State Forest were yet to flow, meaning Jack Smith Lake was still dry. And while there is surface moisture for pasture, there is still a need of a heavy sustained fall to bring the forest and its swamps back to life. “The last time Jack Smith’s Lake was filled was 2001, so that’s a long time dry,” she said. At Stacey’s Bridge, the Billy Creek has overflowed onto lower pastures. David McAninly said they had recorded rain during close to 20 weeks this year, with about 100 millimetres in 10 days. “It just kept falling,” he said. “That’s more than for the whole of last year. “I’m thrilled for the local people recovering from drought — this is as good as anywhere in Victoria.” Things are also looking good at Woodside Beach, with rain having fallen in January and February. Ninety Mile Beach biodynamic farmer Steve Ronaldson said he had recorded about 65mm of rainfall at the end of March and into April. However, he is tentative about declaring the drought broken, and his 50 acres of wetland adjoining Jack Smith Lake Reserve is still dry. “There’s still a bit of room there after three years of dry,” he said. Weather experts also warn the pain is far from over, despite the wet start to the year. Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Simon Grainger has been keeping a close eye on local Continued page 6
OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITH FULL OPERATIONS
3 Service & Parts 3 Free Pick Up and Drop off in the local area 3 Free sanitizing of your vehicle 3 New and Used car test drives open with afterhours appointments available.
SALE MAZDA & MITSUBISHI 273 York Street, Sale Phone: 5144 1311 www.salemazdaandmitsubishin.com.au
GP1607020
SALE MAZDA WE’RE HERE FOR YOU LMCT. 10439 Finance available to approved purchasers