WITH the LiberalParty joining the NationalsindumpingNet Zero but remaining in theParis climate accord, environmentalstewardshipislikelytobeanintegral partofthe new Coalition aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions and create cheaper electricity. Lower energy prices for households and businesses and support for all technologies- including nuclear energy and advanced coal and gas power stations -will be apriority in the energy policy, whichwas greatlydriven by the Page Research Centre's discussion paper,'Delivering aHigh Energy Australia'. The centreis affiliated with the Nationals but is an independent research body akin to the Liberal Party's Menzies ResearchCentreand the Labor Party's Chifley Research Centre.
The Page document emphasises what it calls'ANew Vision for Environmental Stewardship' -the wellbeing and strength of Australia’s naturalenvironment depend on the active careand creativity of those who live and work closest to it.
"Farmers, fishers, and foresters walktheir fence lines, manage weeds and feral species, regenerate soils, and invest in the health of the landscapesthat sustain both natureand nation. This lived stewardship,grounded in local knowledge and practical care, is the foundation of true conservation," it says.
"A new environmental vision
Coalition focus on land care
should seekharmonybetween conservation and national purpose."
That balance, says Page, means:
Driving economic growth through responsible land and resource management that sustains livelihoods while protecting ecosystems.
Conserving and recovering native species and restoring ecological health through locally led, science-based action.
Empowering landholders to manage their land flexibly, rewarding regeneration and innovation rather than punishing use.
Restoring the damage caused by poorly planned renewable energy projects, ensuring that the drive for decarbonisation does not destroy the landscapes, habitats, and biodiversity it claims to save.
Responsible reductions in carbon emissions. While net zeroisnot the right approach, Australia needs aplan based on common sense to lower emissions.
Expanding access to public lands and waters. Common sense approaches to the use of public lands for recreation, hunting, and fishing will strengthen the human connection to nature that underpins long-term stewardship.
Continued -Page2
Coalition focuses on natureenergy policy
From Page 1
"INSTEADoftreatingnatureas something to be locked away, Australia should embraceanenvir onmentalism that is participatory and recognises that prosperity and conservation go hand in hand," the paper says.
"Energy policy should prioritise reducing prices for rather than chasing arbitrary emissions targets, says Page. "Back innovation: Acommonsense approach to renewablesmustbethe priority. This means using solar panels wherethey make economic and practical sense, such as in commercial and industrial precincts and not across our pristine landscapes or prime agricultural land," says the report.
"Empower local action: Local communities should be able to lead initiatives such as waterway protection, land restoration, soil carbon and carbon capture projects to deliver jobsand stewardship across Australia."
The Page report says natureis not a museum piece to be admired from behind arope. It is living, dynamic, and deeply tied to the story of this continent.
From Aboriginal firemanagement to the bullock teams that broke the scrub, the Australian landscape has always been shaped by human hands and imagination. It bears the marks notjust of nature’s forces, but of generations who worked the soil, tended stock, and built alife from the land itself," it says.
"Modernexpressions of environmentalism havetoo often beenbuilt on guiltrather than gratitude.Australians have been told that to carefor the planet, they must do less, build less, and become less.
"The Labor Government’s 'Nature Positive' agenda, in particular,risks turning environmental protection into abureaucratic exercise in prohibition.
“Rather than empowering those who live closest to the land, it centralises control in Canberra and treats working landscapes as threats to be managed, not assets to be nurtured."
The Pagereport says by layering new environmental markets, regulatory triggers, and offset schemes over existing laws, the policy blurs responsibility while discouraging private investment and regional initiative.
"Instead of making nature'positive', these measures risk locking regionalAustralians out of the very landscapes they sustain.
“Farmers aretold to fence offpaddocks they’ve regenerated, foresters aredenied per mits to thin fir e-pr one re gr owth, and communities areparalysed byred
tape while weeds and feral pests spread unchecked," it says.
"Conservationisnot about keeping people out of nature; it is about ensuring people understand and accept their stake in caring for it."
The Page report says Australia produces just one per cent of the world’semissions, yet Australia is cutting its emissions at twice the rate of other advanced economies.
"The Government's current plan would force emission reductions on Australia of 6to8per cent ayear -atleast six times faster than the 1per cent annual historical pace of comparable, developed nations," the paper says.
"Weshould reduce emissions in line with comparable nations, not ahead of them. Sharethe burden equally: the cost of emissions reduction should be distributed evenly, not concentrated on regional industries or low-income households."
Page says current energy and climate policies aredrivingup costs,damaging industry, degrading the environment, and exposing the nation to strategic risk.
Since Australia adopted net zero, household electricity prices have risen by 39 per cent, despite government promises of $275 bill reductions.
"Between t he Capacit yI nvestment Scheme, Rewiring the Nation, hydrogen subsidies,and state-basedSuperGrid programs, the combined public exposure to net-zer o-aligned spending exceeds $120–140 billion," Page says.
"Environmental outcomes areperverse: 95 per cent of Australia’s emissions reductions since 2005 have come not from cleaner technology, but from land-use restrictions and changes -limiting farmers’ ability to use their own land.
"Strategic vulnerability is rising. Energyintensive industries-fromrefining and fertiliser to defence logistics -face higher costs and policy uncertainty even as regional tensions escalate. Australia now imports almostall refinedfuels and key manufacturing inputs."
The papersaysthe high costsplace Australian manufacturers at abig disadvantage globally -they pay 60 per cent more than their US counterparts and 140 per cemt morethan producers in China.
"Even Japaneseindustry faces lower electricity prices than Australia, despite Australia supplying 30 per cent of Japan's energyneeds through our coaland gas exports. France, with its nuclear -powered
grid, enjoys prices around 26.3 per cent lower than those in Australia," the paper says.
The paper emphasises thatrenewables at scale no longer drive down prices; they drive up system complexity. Policy should be redirected to towards energy reliability and affordability.
The National Electricity Rules should be reformed so that AEMO’s primary duty is to deliver the lowest possible prices while maintaining reliability.
Page saysthe NaturePositiveagenda should be replaced with aStewardship and Renewal Act that empowerslandholders and TraditionalOwnerstoleadpractical conservation.
"Upgrade National Parks and recreation infrastructure to improve accessibility, amenity,and environmentalprotection Audit and rehabilitate renewable-energy site s, re -est abl ish the Na t ion al Soils Adv oca te ,e xpa nd Ind ige no us Ran ger programs, and launch coordinated feralanimal and carp control initiatives to restore ecological health and regional prosperity," the paper says.
Victorian Liberal Party arejoining the movement to dump Net Zeroaswell as focusing on the environment impacts in the energy policy. Photo: iStock
OPINION
THEGippsland Farmer isbringingback 'Letters to the Editor', welcoming farmers to sharetheir thoughts on farmrelated issues.
Thejournalist who overseesGippsland Far mer,K atr ina Br and on, re se rve s the right to edit letters for reasons of space andclarity,and mayr efuse to
publish any letter without explanation.
Anonymous contributors and defaming letters will be stamped out.
Writers must includeaphone number email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiatingauthenticity
The letterssection isdesignedtoallow
people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas. Letters regarding religion will not be published.
Email letters to kbrandon@lvexpress.com. au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line.
Emission target ‘ambitiously doable’
Dr MICHELLE FREEMAN
AUSTRALIA'S new emissions reduction target of 62-70 per cent by 2035 is ambitious, but achievable. Meeting this goal depends on amassive boost in land-based carbon removals, and the Agricultureand Land Sector Climate plan recognising the major role of forests.
Healthy, well-managed forests areour most powerful natural tool for absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. We must grow moretrees and we need policy grounded in science and honesty. As forrests age, carbon uptake slows and natural disturbances like fires,storms, drought and dieback turnthem from carbon sinks into carbon sources. The Black Summerfires alone released emissions equal to 35 per cent of Australia’s entire greenhouse gas inventory in 2020.
These events show that our protected area network is chronically underfunded, resulting in passive reservation that reduces capacity for forest management and leaves forests morevulnerable.
Acti ve, scie nce- base dm anag emen t including thinning, cultural and prescribed burning, and restoration of degraded areas helpfor ests stay resilient and reduce
catastrophic carbon losses.
The advice from Climate Change Authority (CCA) is concerning. The CCA suggests that “stoppingold-growth clearing and reducing native forest harvesting” arepriority climate actions. However,logging of old-growth forests has already been phased out across most of Australia for years.
Prioritising action on small-scale activities to reach Australia’s emissions target may provide easy political “wins”, but distracts from wherethe real gains can occur
Further,r ed ucing local sustainable regrowth native timber harvesting doesn’t cut emissions, considering the full life cycle of timber,increasing our reliance on imports and substituteproducts,often creating ahigher carbon footprint. That’s leakage, not mitigation.
Wood has asignificant role to play as sustainably harvested timber continues storing carbon long after it leaves the forest, while displacing carbon-intensive materials like steel, aluminium and concrete.
Use of wood residues in biochar and biofuels can improve agricultural productivity, replace coal in industrial processes and offset emissions in hardtoabate sectors like transport. These substitution benefits
of wood areestablished and globallyrecognised, yet the CCA largely ignores them. Thatomission under minesone ofthe clearestopportunities we havefor real, lasting emissions reduction.
If Australiaisserious about its target, we must fully embrace the role for all forests. This means halting deforestation, expanding plantations, and restoring degraded forests to support resilient landscapes, making greater use of local wood to build alow-carbon bioeconomy for generations.
The challenge is immense. Theplan indicates that reforestation alone will need to sequester morethan 100 Mt of CO2-e each year by 2050. That means up to 10 million hectares of new trees in just 25 years. At current rates of about 20,000 hectares per year,we’reatjust 5per cent of what’s needed.
Forestry Australia calls for anational dialogue to develop policy settings thatenable forests to play their full role in climate action, while delivering the timber needed to address the housingcrisis. Australia cannot affordtobase its climate futureo myths and misplaced priorities.
Dr Michelle Freeman President, Forestry Australia
Gippsland business granted forestry funds
GRANTS totalling $1 million have been allocated to 11 Gippsland businessesas part of the state government’s investment in communitieshit by thestategovernment’s closureofthe native forest industry, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
The Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, saidthe ForestryTransitionFund and Victorian Timber Innovation rants allow businessestobuy or maintainequipment, hire staffand build infrastructure to support business ventures ranging from farmmapping, and other drone services to cycling tours and grain haulage.
As part of the Timber Innovation Fund, AR Dalley in Buchan South was awarded $270,072 to buy two multi-purpose grain haulage trailers,helping themtotransition from log haulage. BWilliams Cartage in Yinnar received $110,082 to develop amobileweldingservice for commercial and agricultural clients.
Hodge ForestryServicesinMoe South was supported with $247,126tobuy drone spraying equipment for plantation pest management. Under the Foresty Transition Fund, Newmerella business East Gippsland Drones received $49,806 to expandtheir specialiseddrone services. The money will support the creation of a new full-time drone pilot role and investment in equipment to meet growing demand for crop spraying, fertilising and weed control across steep terrain.
In Swifts Creek,Stock Dog Kennels and Four Peaks Pastoral Services each received $50,000 to upgrade or acquire newequipment.The Buchan RiverCafé also received the same amounttobuy commercial kitchen equipment and renovate its kitchen to be fully operational, while Baw Baw ShireCouncil will use their $50,000 grant to undertake afeasibility study into a Longwarry Logistic and Employment Hub
Five Tales in Piedmont will invest their $45,164 grant to build agreenhouse for high-value crops, including heirloomtomatoes, heritage cucumbers and specialty lettuces.InOrbost, Mekken Marine was awarded $30,000 to build astorage shed and install customworkbenches,while Snowy RiverCyclingPty Ltd received $31,045 to buy an enclosed bike trailer and four e-bikes.
Ms SpencesaidGippslandbusinesses and communities had received morethan $97 million in grants and support to help create new jobs.
“The supportmeans Gippsland native timberworkers can remain in employment -either in their existing jobs or finding new work through the creation of 113 newjobs in the region,” she said.
For moreinformation visit deeca.vic.gov. au/forestry
Moooving with the timesat Wattlewood
AFTER morethan 30 years in the beef breeding game, John and Fiona Glover of Wattlewood Angus have purpose built their dream bull complex at Lang Lang.
The80acrefacility is home to their Herd Book Registered Angus bulls and provide the platform forthe Wattlewood Angus Annual Bull Sale on the 5th of March 2026. Situ ated on the Sou th Gip psl and Highway, the couple have spent their time and efforts improving the newly acquired property by planting over 4000 trees, making paddocksand buildingthe facilities needed to host various events.
The first opportunity to visit the new Wattlewood Bull Complexwillcome on the 31st of January when the gates to the venue willopenfor the firsttime for the Wattlewood Beef Week Open Dayand Bull Sale Preview wherevisitors areinvited to meet with John and Fiona and discuss how the Wattlewood breeding program could have apositive impact on producers genetics and ultimately, their profits.
The Wattlewood team arealso hosting a beefindustry workshop on Tuesday the 10th of February whereparticipants can get abetter understanding of how EBV’s can be integrated into their production systems and improve productivity.
Fiona says, “Weare all capable of learning and improving how wemanage our livestock, our land and our bottom line no matter whereweare at, as technology and external influences arealways changing”.
And the real christening of the new facility willbeon Thursday the 5thofMarch at 4pm when the stud hosts the Wattlewood AnnualBull Sale and will offer 30 quiet, genotyped Angus bulls that have completed all their health checks to ensurea sound package for the Wattlewood clients.
For furtherinfor mation on any of the exciting events, please visit the Wattlewood website at www.wattlewoodangus.com.au or give Fiona acall on 0416 216 951.
• Buying ALL types of cattle for export and local trade
• Payment on the day
• Animal husbandry and all-round advice
• Extra money for empty cows
Cow prices selling at solid rates... FAST MONEY
• Over 50 years experience
TRADING HOURS
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am to 3pm
Chris Cameron 0418 512 503
Jodie Foster 0437 004 566
Got news to share?
Do youhaveanagricultural stor ytoshare with theGippsland Farmer? Send your news or shareyourstor ywithjournalist KatrinaBrandon by phoning 5135 4444 or by emailing kbrandon@lvexpress.com.au
Wattlewood Vroom V8
Farmers fight big battery plans
COUNCIL and community have united in deep concer nover several largescale solar and battery storage system proposals that threaten high-quality agricultural land across Baw Baw Shire.
Thereare two proposals for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Baw BawShirecurrently being assessed by the Victorian Government,one in Shady Creek and another at Yarragon North. Neither of these locations sit wit hin th eVict ori an Go v e rn me nt’ s proposed Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone.
In additiontothe proposalsunder assessment,state renewable energy mapping indicates that ther eisan approved (notoperational) BESS located at Longwarry,and an approved solar farmlocated at Trafalgar.
According to current planning structures, permit applications for renewable energy proposals with significant economic benefit can bypass local Council planningframeworksand bemade directly to theMinister forPlanning, ef fectivelyremoving local voices from the process.
At October'sCouncilmeeting,East Ward Cr Brendan Kingwill raised aNotice of Motion (NoM) to make Council’s concerns clear to the Victorian Government, and to seek further information on any local solar and battery proposals.
As part of the NoM, aletter has been issued to the Minister for Planning Sonya KilkennyMPbyfor mer Mayor Cr Danny Goss on behalfofCouncil and local farming communities whofeel blindsided by these proposals.
The Mayor said that while Council supports steps to transition to renewable energy, thereare concer ns over poor siting of such proposals that appear to threaten rich far mland that haslong supported Victoria’s food andfibr e production.
“Many local farming communities feel blindsided by the sudden appearance of industrial-scale proposals on land that has supported generations of essential food production.
“People areasking reasonable questions about how thesefacilitieswill affect theirlivelihoods,their safety,and the amenity of their rural communities -but answers have been slow to come, if at all,” the Mayor said
“Ourcommunitieshavearight to serious concerns about the long-term implications for the land and water they depend on. These concer ns include potential contamination of soil and groundwater from battery chemicals, cons tant o perat ion al ligh ting a nd noise, threat to regional character, and most importantly diminishing some of
Victoria’smosthigh-qualityproductive food and fibreproducing farmland.”
East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwill said the Baw Baw Shirecommunity is simply seeking afair,honest and transpar ent appr oach fr om the Victorian Gov er nm en tf or al ll oc al re ne wa bl e proposals,” Cr Kingwill said.
“Weh ave met with several generational far ming families who have dedicated their lives to the pr oduction of quality food for our state and beyond. Cutting these people out of the conversation is simply wrong.
“Movingforwar dwewelcomemor e infor mati on and in v ite appr opri ate face to face consultation with our local far ming commu niti es who deser ve to be in the know.”
In addition to correspondence with the Victorian Government, Council also intends to write to operators Samsung and Zen expressingopposition toproposed BESS locations, and believes that many areas of the Shiresuch as Shady Creek, Darnum and Yarragon areinappropriate locations.
Local farmers Graham Pigdon, KylieMumford, WayneMumfordand JamesFaithful meet with East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwill to discuss concerns for local BESS proposals.
Photo: Contributed
Sheepindustryinchallengingtimes
Keypoints
THE national sheep flock has declined 6.2 per cent to 74.2 million head, driven by poor seasonal conditions and elevated turn-off.
Lambproduction remains str ongat 610,000 tonnes, supported by heavier carcase weights and grain feeding.
Live sheep exports aretracking 3per cent below 2024 levels, with strong demand from the Middle East despite structural changes.
Australia’s sheep industry is navigating a challenging period, with the national flock contracting by 6.2 per cent to 74.2 million head as of June 2025, according to Meat &Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Australian Sheep IndustryProjections -September Update.
The declinefollowstwo years of belowaverage seasonalconditions across key producingregions,particularlyinSouth Australia,Victoria and southernNew South Wales which have driven elevated lamb slaughter and mutton turn-off.
Production and slaughter DESPITEseasonalpressures, lamb production remains resilient, with 610,000 tonnes forecast for 2025.
This is supported by heaviercarcase weights, driven by increased grain feeding.
Lambslaughterisexpectedtoreach 24.9 million head in 2025, a5.8 per cent decline fr om last year’s recor d, while mutton slaughter is forecast to fall 15.4 per cent
to 9.97 million head as producers begin retaining breeding ewes.
According to MLA MarketInfor mation Manager,ErinLukey, while slaughter volumes areeasing, production remains ro bus tt ha nk st oi mpr oved f ini sh ing systems.
“Weare seeingproducers respond to seasonal volatility by adopting supplementary feeding practices for heaviercarcase weights and morestrategic turn-offdecisions,” Ms Lukey said.
“This approach helps offset the impact of reduced lamb supply and inconsistent pastureavailability typically seen in areas exper ienci ng bel ow average seaso nal conditions.”
Exports and global demand
AUSTRALIA remainsadominant player in globalsheepmeat exports, accounting for 54 per cent of total global volumes in FY25. While exportsfromNew Zealand areforecast to decline due to structural chang es in land use and flock size, Australia is well-positionedtomaintain strong export volumes despite atemporary dip in production.
“Global supply is tightening, and Australia is in astrongposition to meet demand,” Ms Lukey said.
“Our reputation for quality and consistency continues to underpinexportgrowth, particularly in premium markets.”
Live export
IN early 2025, exportvolumes were temporarily impacted by vessel availability issues, but demand from the Middle East especially remains strong.
From January to August, exports tracked 3per cent below the same periodlast year withcompetition between processors and restockershelping to supportmarket conditions.
Recentchanges in the regulatorylandscapehavepromptedsome producersto reassesstheir business models and explore alternative market pathways.
Despiteevolvingconditions and structural changes,trade continues,reflecting the strength of underlying demand. However, looking ahead, tighter flock numbers and aforecast 30 per cent decline in live export volumes by 2027 may challenge sourcing for the traditionally price-sensitivelive export market.
As supply contracts,competitionfor suitable animals is expected to intensify, particularly in Wester nAustralia, where live export plays a key role in production systems.
Looking ahead
ASSUMING average seasons ahead, Australia’s sheep industry is expected to enter aperiod of gradual recovery, with the national flock forecast to grow by 2.1 per cent in 2026 and afurther 4.3 per cent by 2027, reaching 78.9 million head.
This rebuild will be driven primarilyby natural increase, with producers focusing on ewe retention to strengthen the breeding
base following two years of drought-induced destocking.
Lamb production is projected to rebound in 2027, reaching arecord651,000 tonnes, supported by both increased slaughter and heavier carcase weights. Grain feeding and lot-finishing systems areexpected to play a growing role in maintaining supplyconsistency and lifting yield per head.
On the global front, tight supply from New Zealand and steady international demand areexpected to support export opportunities for Australian sheepmeat. While domestic consumption may come under pressurefromelevated prices, Australia’s position as areliable, high-quality supplier remains strong.
Have your say
MLAand AWIhavereleased theirlamb focused producer survey, which provides aprofileof the lamb flock and measures of producer intentions for lambs and breeding ewes.
MLA’s flock modelling and marketinsights draw on the best available data, extensive consultation, and direct input from producers through industry surveys.
The Sheep Producer Intentions Survey results help analysts refine forecasts and improve the accuracyofindustry analysis. They also guidethe development of MLA programs, ensuring adoption and communication efforts arealigned with producer sentiment.
To find tSheep Producers Intentions Survey for m, go to https://su rveys. intuitivesolutions.com.au/s3/ SheepProducerIntentions-Oct2025-MLA?
To find theMLA 2025 Sheep Industry Projections -September Update,goto https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/prices--markets/ documents/september -2025_mla-australian-sheep-industry-projections_300925. pdf?
Lamb production remainsstrong.
YPG havenew localowners
RECENTLYsold by the Petch family, who owned YGP for many years the new owners, alocal Darnum dairy-farming partnership, Tony and Wendy Prince and Paul and Rosa Burdett have renameditYGP Farm&Feed Barn.
Keeping most of the existing staffintheir Neerim South, Trafalgar, andWarragul locations, commitment to the community is still very much part of everything they do.
All three stores have extremely experienced staffwith astrong focus on providing an outstanding Ag-retail experience for all of West Gippsland.
The staffare all about providing agreat customer experience and aremorethan happy to chat over acoffee about farming requirements and current issues.
YGP Farm &Feedbarnisalso amember of the national CR Tnetwork and provides
advice and products for all aspects of farming—covering both large and small blocks.
They stockall your farm essentia ls including merchandise for fencing, water, drainage, seeds, fertilisers, and sprays.
They also carrya range of productsto improve animal health and nutrition.
They only use reputable Australian suppliers well-recognised in the Ag sector for quality.
So next time you need some sound advice, call in at any of the stores to talk to staff, visit them online, or order products over the phone for collection later Organisationof deliverycan be arranged for larger orders.
Warragul: 03 5623 2434
Neerim South: 03 5628 1202
Trafalgar: 03 5633 1472
SPRAYING • Weeds • Liquid fertilizer
Pesticides
SPREADING
Farm Essentials: • Fencing, water, and drainage
fertilisers, and sprays
•Stock feeds for all animals •Drenches and vaccines •General animal merchandise Quality Guarantee:
Products aresupplied by reputable Australian suppliers well-recognised in the Ag sector for quality
IN Australia, livestock often travel many kilometres, in some cases even thousands of kilometres interstate for processing. This long-distance travel often occurs where producers have long standing contracts that need to be fulfilled or species specific or specialised requirements that can only be met at aparticular abattoir AgricultureVictoria District Veterinary Officer,Cathy Bunter,said wheretransport journeys areprojected to be long it is important to have animals well prepared for the journey in terms of their nutrition, hydration and heat management.
"It is also essential for pr oducers to introduce their livestock to water troughs prior so their animals can recogniseand be able to drink from troughs both during and at the end of the journey," Dr Bunter said. "Shorter transport journeys for livestock have many benefits apart from theobvious lower transport costs."
Dr Buntersaid shorter transport distances reduce the risks of injury, disease and death. Thereis asubstantialincrease
in livestock welfareincidents in stock travelling greater than 400km or undergoing journeys longer than 30 hours.
"Pr oducers and transporters ar e reminded the Land Transport Standards arenationally agreed mandatory animal welfarestandardsand guidelines developed cooperatively by the livestock industries and government."
Anyone who is preparing livestock for transport or transporting livestock must follow these standards which can be found at Land Transport -Australian Animal WelfareDrBunter said other motivations for shorter transportdistances include better meat quality, because less stress means the meat is tendererand consumer satisfaction is increased. The producer also benefits from heavier carcass results.
"Regardlessofthe distance travelled, havinganimals betterpreparedtotake the journey results in better animal welfare outcomes. This is especially important wherelivestock arestill recoveringfrom the prolonged impacts of drought."
As well as Proprietary seeds from Barenbrug and DLF, you can claim your discount on the range of Brown Wigg Pasture Packs which feature the #1 ranked ryegrasses (Dairy Australia 2024 FVI), and the new and exciting variety “Forge NEA” a 3-5 year hybrid with excellent persistence
Photo iStock
European Innovation
In May, Chapman MachineryService staffhad theexciting opportunitytovisit theValtra Tractor factoryinSuolahti, Finland.
Theygot to seethe production line where everyValtra is beingbuilt,an exclusiveEuropeanmanufactured tractor.
Theteam metwith Valtra’sSmart AG Solutions group,sharing insights about Australian farming challengesover aValtra-branded beer and aBBQ sausage (minus thebread?!).
Akey highlight was learning about Valtra’scommitmenttosustainability, includinglow and zero-emissiontractor technology,alternative biofuels, and renewableenergy.
This included afascinatingvisittothe
Neste renewable fuels plantinPorvoo.
At the ValtraUnlimited Studio, the team discoveredhow tractors canbe customised to meet any application— from airportand military use to snow andforest clearing, or tailored forfarm operations
Thestudio’sability to deliverany colour or configuration truly setsValtra apart They alsovisited theAGCO Power engineplant in Linnavuori, where advanced roboticsand automation are revolutionising engineassemblywith precision and efficiency
Backhome,ChapmanMachinery Service is showcasing an impressive Titan Grey Valtra T175EV Unlimited Studio edition
BLASTING fun was to be had at the Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival that was stationed at the Leongatha Railway Precinct.
From the best food, drink and entertainment, attendees got to experience some of Gippsland’s best products all together in oneplace.
The day was split into two sessions: aday session focusedon food and drinks, and anight session featuring rapid-firebands that got the crowd moving.
According to the co-organiser of the event, Dan Sims,about 3000peopleattended the day session, while another 1000 participated in the afternoon music session. People hailed from all around, with some comingfromMelbourne and some locals taking to the event on their doorsteps, celebrating the warmth of the day.
Coming into the day, visitors werefaced with wet and chilly weather,but an hour into the event, it warmed up to 18 degrees with barely any cloud cover.While the weather changed, it didn’t faze most.
“Today (October 18) was an absolutely amazing day down herein Leongatha,” Maffco Brewery and Distillery's Jim Reeves said.
“A bit of atypical South Gippsland day. It startedwithrain, and now we have beautiful sunshine. We have had agreat flow of people, anditwas awesome to be amongst the other Gippsland businesses. So, it has been afantastic day.”
Mr Reeves also said that not only had the day been good for business, but he was alsoable tocreate somepartnerships with other businesses for futurecollaborations.
Some businesses involved in the day included Trulli,Messmates,T inamba Hotel, Gippsland Jersey, Prom Country Cheese, Hogget, FleetWines,The Wine
Far m, Gippsland Wine Co, Dirty Three, Narkoojee, Carrajung, Infusa and more.
Throughout the day, people wereable to sit in and listen to the experts in their fields about their products and recent developments. Wine chats and food talk provided visitors with insight into their local vendors and producers, allowing them to listen to the challenges they face and showcase their passion.
Francesca Dickinson from Port Franklin, a visitor to the event, came out feeling rather happy with the experience.
“(It was) fantastic! It started with the Invy Hor nJam,who werefantastic.Itwas a great waytostart the day with dancing and singing with them,” she said.
“(It was)really interesting listening to the food talks and wine talks, the cidery and the chefs, like Hogget -how dedicated they aretoethical, quality, local produce.”
When askedwhat her favourite partof the day was, Ms Dickinson said that each part of the day was justas incredible as the next.
From the vine, Wine Talks was hosted by Max Allen, featuring Dirty Three, Lightfoot Wines, Fleet Wines, William Downie Wines and Bass Phillip. But down the line at Food Talks, Herald Sun’s food and wine editor Kara Monssen hosted Gippsland Jersey’s Sallie Jones, Mahob at Moos, Gur neys Cider, SailorsGrave Brewing, Sodafish and Hogget.
Rolling into the climax of the day, people werewiningand dining,chillingout on picnic blankets and camp chairs, while socialising andrelaxingtothe musicin the background.
By 2.30pm, some businesses werestarting to cross offfood items from their menus, with some shutting their shops entirely
around 3pm. But no worries for attendees, the organisers of the events shuffled the two sessions, swapping some businessesin and out to ensurethat food was available throughout the day and night, giving more opportunitiesfor others tostep up and sell their products.
Almost two hours wereset between the two sessions to ensureeveryone had time to settleand businesses could get ready for the second session of the day.
Music throughout the day session was brought by Misty Harlowe, Janie Gordon, JungleJim Smith, InvyHor nJam,and Ozone Street.Thiswas laterfollowedby Gippsland’s risingstarSteph Strings, Emma Donovan ,and Melbou rneSka Orchestra, which finished of fthe night with abang.
Energy levels stayed consistent throughout the event, with plenty of activities to take part in.
Overall, Mr Sims was quite pleased with the turnout of the event and said that the energy of the day was incredible.
“(I am) relieved,” he told the Gippsland Far mer
“It'sa testamenttothe quality of the producerswho arehere. Ithink if anything, that's areally great reiteration of what they do. We'rehere, producers, to create aplatfor mand bring them all together, cheerlead,wrangle everyone, and see everyone turnout.
“It is avibe today. It's anice sort of chill.
“Some other events thatwerun when everyone turns up at the door at the same time, that get really intense.You've got people sitting down on lounge chairs, people sitting thereand listening to some talks, food, talks, wine, talks, people on the grass listening to some music,grabbing some food. Imean, doesn'tget much better than that.”
Steph Sings brought the crowdtotheir feet at the Eat, Drink, PlayGippsland festival,even showing off her unique guitar skills.
Melbourne SkaOrchestra brought an end to the event for Eat, Drink, PlayGippsland, bringing an “explosive” celebration of music to the stage. One of many vocalists, Nicky Bomba pictured. Photos: Katrina Brandon
Big dayout in theHigh Country
Stefan BRADLEY
SOMETIMES you needtojust switchoff your phone and connect withagroup of likeminded people by taking part in swimming, workshops,competitive challenges, a charity auction, camping and taking in the musical entertainment and delicious food.
This was the package dd eal when Glenmaggie-basednot-for -profit outdoor education centreWollangarrabrought back its annual open day on Saturday, October 4. The sold-out ticketed event saw more than 400 people come through the gate on aday with beautiful sunny weather
The WollangarraOutdoorEducation Centrecan be found on aremote river flat at Macalister River Gorge, and offers youth an opportunity for hands-on lear ning, community and adventuring with others.
One of thedirectors, Anthony "Smitho" Smith, who lives at the property, said Wollangarrawas built by volunteersand young people 37 years ago and runs programs for school children and "kids from all over the place".
"They come out hereand get involved in and help out with the off-grid lifestyle and operations of the property. Andthenwe go on adventures in the High Country in the mountains," Smitho said.
"If the kidsenjoy itand getsomething out of it, they come back again and again."
The kids who retur ncan take part in conservationprojectsand can also work with Parks Victoria and on the Wollangarra site itself.
"So the place is built on that community andthenthere's our volunteers and staff," Smitho said.
"Andthat's what the open dayis, too That'sawholebunch of contributions and all these people that areexhibiting areall
being involved withWollangarra in some way or another.It's the local community and beyond that too, the open day sold ticketstopeople from Melbourneand interstate."
The openday was opento the public and agreat way to get wordout about Wollangarra's other activities.
Guests made their way to the site on Saturday morning by walking throughthe riverorridingacrossthe flyingfox. The day included demonstrations, workshops, music and bush poetry. Therewas bar service -cash only of course.
The famous Wollangarra auction was abig fundraiser which raised about$10,000 for the centre, which will allow it to continue helping kidsconnectwiththe outdoors. Auction items werehandmade wooden crafts, artworks, restored axes, holiday houses, weaving and other hand made crafts.
Crowds becamehuge andcompetition got
fierce with across cut saw challenge and the 'Woll Relay'. And even fiercer during the porridge eating contest which escalated to afull-on (but fun) food fight.
Someof thenotable speakers/presentations wer eranger Wayne McCallum (talking High Country stories), sustainable agriculturepanel (Q&A session with local dairy farmers KateMiriams and Peter Neeves, Market Garden, Josh Tucker and biodynamicfar mer Simon McLachlan), adventure therapy with Dough Moczynski, Foundation House with Ashley Wallace and adventurelife with Jen Willis.
Workshops throughout the day included fruit bottling,woodworking(with Brian Beasley), bush carpentry (Jimmy James), seed saving and fruit tree grafting (with Neil Barraclough), bathbomb making (with Christine O'Sullivan), sourdough bread making (with Lou Ritchie), glass cutting with Ralph Barraclough, basket weaving,zineart,outdooreducational
Ther ewas also astory-telling cir cle happening with different people sharing interesting career path stories.
Kids could play soccer together with their newfriends,and others could take abreak by swimming in the river
For entertainment, after noon music to kick back and relax to was provided by Carl and Ange, followed by evening music with the band HolyMoses Heartache -who had the crowd jumping around for agood couple of hours.
Lunch and dinnerwas provided by Lazizz Lebanese Bakery, from Traralgon. Those who camped overnight enjoyed a Sunday mor ning cooked breakfast with light acoustic entertainment, and the flying fox was pushed to its limit with everyone leaving along with the band's stage gear
Porridge eating competition beforethe foodfight.
Photos: Stefan Bradley
From left,Wollangarra staffand volunteers Rowan, Rosie, Cosi, Abbey, Katie and Smitho.
Poorweatherdeflates landprices
Philip HOPKINS
THE median price offar mlandin South and West Gippsland declined by 8.4 per cent in the past six months,whilefarmland in EastGippsland rose by 17.7 per cent, according to the latest report by Bendigo Bank Agribusiness.
The fallinSouthand West Gippsland was the main cause of the medium price in Victoria falling 5.8 per cent to $13,659/
ha, its lowest point since the first half of 2022, the report said.
Themedianpriceper hectare in South and West Gippsland fell by8.4 per cent to $24,747compared to the same time lastyear.Thiswas still the highest price in all regions ofVictoria.Therewere47 transactions, 17.5 per cent fewer than in the first half last year
In East Gippsland, the median price per hectarewas $13,898, arise of 17.7 per cent
compared to the first half last year.There were51transactions, 13.6 per cent fewer than the first half last year
The bank's regional manager agribusiness, Tony Anderson, said seasonal conditions provided plenty of barriers across South and West Gippsland throughout the first half of 2025. Many buyers, including dairy farmers, decided not to buy moreland, which strongly contributed to the lower median price per hectare, he said.
In contrast, Mr Ande rson said East Gippsland was relatively stable in the first half as seasonal conditions werefavourable. "This kept buyers active," he said. "However if the weather turns poor,itwill be an intriguing watch in thebackhalf of the year." The falls in South and West Gippsland outweighed the modest growth recorded in theOvens Murray andEast Gippsland in the first half.
"A clear trend can be seen with land located in the north-east corner generally per for ming well over the previous year, while landinwestern Victoriaremains under pr essur efromthe ongoingdry conditions," the report said.
Victoria-wide, therewere480 transactions in the first half of 2025, down 17.9 per cent from the second half of 2024 an dthe lowest number of transactions for ahalf-yearly period on recordfor the state.
All eight of the state's regions registered ayear -on-year declinein transaction volumes. The ongoing consolidation of farmland, the challenging market environment and lacklustredemand limited the volumes of properties changing hands.
The medianyear -on-year medianprice movements in Victoria were: Goulburn(up 6.7 percentto $15,104),Central (minus 25.8 per cent to $9031),Ovens Murray (up 4.8 per cent to $17,603), South West (up 0.2 per cent to $18,118), Wimmera (down 10.6 per cent to $10,519) and Mallee(down 32.9 per cent to $439).
Bendigo Agribusiness says the first half of acalendar year typically accounts for a greater proportion of the year's transactions.
Photo: iStock
Landcarecelebrates milestone
THE year 2025 marks 30 years of the South Gippsland LandcareNetwork (SGLN). To celebrate, SGLN has recognised the work of its members with the publicationofa book featuring local Landcarers and their wonderful contributionthe unique environment of South Gippsland.
The book, 'Our Quiet Achievers', authored by SGLN Chair JillianStaton, was launched by MP and Group Secretary of the Victorian ParliamentaryFriends of Landcare,Tom McIntosh, at SGLN’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.Ms Staton said the presence of Shadow Minister Melina Bath in the room sent apositive signal about the bipartisan natureofLandcare.
Thebook highlights the Landcarejourneys of 29 SGLN Landcaremembers, some of whom attended inaugural Landcare
meetings 30 yearsago and whohave dedicated their time and land to improving and protecting the environment.
The meeting also featuredapresentation from LandcareVictoria Inc. CEO Claire Hetzel. Ms Hetzel highlighted the strategic approachtaken by SGLNinthe development of the South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan,which places SGLN as leaders in the statein alandscape-scale approach to environmental management and protection. In delivering the SGLN Annual Report (available at www.sgln.net.au), the chair Jillian Staton described the extensive work beingdone by SGLN through projects; theseranged across sustainable agriculture, climate change resilience, ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Aparticular highlight is the work being ach iev ed in pa rtn ers hip w ith Sout h Gippsland Shir eCouncil as part of a Memora ndum of Und erstan ding that continues to deliver benefits for the environment and the community.
The exec uti ve of fic er of the Sout h Gippsland LandcareFund (https://www. sgln.net.au/2024/10/12/fund/), Belinda Brennan,detailed the support provided by the Fund which raised morethan $58,000 in 2024-25 to support koala habitat and developmen to ft he South Gippsland Biolinks Map (https://www.sgln.net.au/ biolinks-map/). Taxdeductible donations can be made to the Fund via Give Now(see www.sgln.net.au and click Donate) or by contacting Belinda at fund@sgln.net.au
Belinda also held the elections for SGLN. Nine boardpositions werefilled with new boardmembers Declan McDonald(Arawata LandcareGroup), Jim Forbes (Mt Lyall LandcareGroup)and Peter Debreceny (SGLN Secretary) being warmly welcomed. Re-elected members wereJillian Staton (Chair), Sam Stringer (Vice-President), Luke Thornton (Treasurer), Jen Layton, Graham Ross and Herb Wildes.
To purchase acopy of the Our Quiet Achievers publication please email Jane@ sgln.net.au
Sam Stringer,SGLN Vice Chair,said collaborating withpartners across the communitysuch as South Gippsland ShireCouncil and HVP continues to build strength and deliver on our strategic plan.
Environmental groups get financial boost
LANDCAREvolunteers across the West Gippsland catchment will transformlandscapes, protect endangered local species and green much-loved community spaces after receiving $337,250 in fundingfrom the 2025 Victorian LandcareGrants.
Announcingthe grant recipients,state EnvironmentMinister Steve Dimopoulos said each funded projectwas making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.
“Landcareand environmental volunteer groups make asignificant contribution to our communities managing projects that restoreand enhance ourparks,coastlines, naturereserves and waterways,” he said. This year,atotal of $3.6 million in grants will support 509 Landcareand environmental volunteer groups across the state,
including 50 groups in the West Gippsland catchment.
Local projects include enhancingbiodiversity in Anderson’s Inlet with the help of communityplanting days, engaging students in major conservation ef forts along Flooding Creek and working with landholderstofence and revegetate alength of Billy Creek in Stacey’s Bridge.
“I’m delighted that these grants will supportlocal Landcare and environmental groups to deliver 22 project grants and 28 support grants,” We st Gippsland Catchment Management Authority chief executive Martin Fuller said.
“Taking action for your local area comes in many shapes and forms and these latest grant projects demonstrate the important
role Landcareplays in transforming landscapes while helping communities thrive. Not only will they lead to over 30,000 trees planted across West Gippsland, each projectwillhelp connect morepeopleto natureand inspirethe next generation of environmental stewards and river lovers.
“Weare extremely lucky and grateful to have such astrong Landcarecommunity in our patch. Ilook forwardtoseeing these projects come to life."
Bonnie Reeves fr om the Maf fra and District LandcareNetwork was excited to start work on amajor restoration project along Flooding Creek in Sale, with the aim of attracting morebirds and creating atree-filled, natural space for the urban community to enjoy.
“Being awarded aVictorianLandcare Grant is fantastic because it meanswe can work on amuch larger scale and have abigger, longer -lasting impact in the community,” she said.
Studentswill be involvedinbirdmonitoring and conservation activities, helping to connect younger people with Landcareand nature.
“The projectisreallybeneficial for people in town who don’t have natural spaces on their doorstep," Ms Reeves said.
"When Iwalk along the creek now Ihear cars,cattletrucks and urban noise. In a few years’ time Iwant to be walking under the shadeofthe trees we’ve plantedand be deafened by the sounds of birds who’ve taken up residence in the nest boxes."
Overground transmission ‘distressing’ farmers
David BRAITHWAITE
OPPONENTS of overgr ound transmission for of fshorewind energy claim the state’s reluctance to consider underground transmission is fuelling distress in farming communities and delaying Victoria’s renewable energy future.
Some local farmers say they are feeling pressured and intimidated by land-liaison officers contracted to VicGrid who areseeking access to properties along the proposed offshorewind energy transmission corridor
Better Transmission Gippsland (BTG) chair Kirra Bott said landholders werebeing approached by multiple re pr esentatives –sometimes up to four people at a time –asking for access to take photographs so they can “show” farmers what overhead powerlines might look like.
“Farmers aretelling us they feel cornered,” Ms Bott said.
“They’r eb eing outnumber ed across their own kitchentables
They feel anxious and unsure of their rights.This is theirhome, their business, and their legacy,
Egg-cellent find
Stefan BRADLEY
DON'T let anyone tell you the best and biggest eggs aren't made i nWel lin gto nS hir e, with Stratfordfar mer Steven Pendrick showing what his chooks aremade of.
Mr Pendrick, from Maroubra Free Range Eggs was at the Gippsland Times (Gippsland Far mer’s sister paper) of fice to show of fthese huge eggs (pictur ed), withthe largest weighing 150 grams.
It doesn't happen too often, but they do find many 100 or 110 gram eggs,even though
they'resupposed to be around 70 grams.
Mr Pendrick was not sure how this happened, other than some chooks werebor nbig, others bornsmall.
"They all getthe samefeed, the same water.They'reall running around the paddock," he said.
These aren't the biggest eggs laid on his property -they once foundone that was 184g. He has about 4000 chooks on his property, and they consume about 120gramsofpellets a day.
andthey’rescared it’s being put at risk.”
Ms Bott said the pressurewas takingatoll on mentalhealth in rural communities already under strain.
“We’ve been hearing directly from farmers who arestruggling,”she said.
“The uncertainty, the letters, the visits –it’s wearing them down. My greatest concernisthat this added pressureinalready stressed communities could push someone over theedge. That’s arisk that’s simply unacceptable,” she said.
At arecent community meeting hosted by BTG, far mers spoke about the distress being caused.
“There’s no trust left. People are exhausted by the constant pressure. They just want to be treated with respect and honesty,” Ms Bott said.
Ms Bott said the situation could be resolved quickly if the government built the transmission line underground.
“The irony is, if this project was going underground, those same far mers would be opening their gates,” she said.
“They want to see renewable energy succeed, but they can’t support aproject that cuts across their properties with overhead lines that everyone knows areoutdated and vulnerable to extreme weather.”
Ms Bott said VicGrid’s approach was shaped by apolicy problem that sat above it.
“It’s not VicGrid’s fault.They’re following abrief set by government that simply says: build overhead,” she said.
“That’s not evidence-basedpolicy. It’s inertia,shaped by old deals, old pressures, and old thinking.”
Ms Bott said the cost argument used to justifythat positionno longer stood.
“Ten years ago, they said underground was twenty times more expensive. When the renewables transitionstarted, they said 10 times. Now even their own numbers put it closer to two or three at worst –and that’s beforeyou factor in the costs of outages, compensation, and maintenance foroverhead. The world’s moved on, but policy hasn’t.”
Ms Bott said some private developershad already chosen undergr ound connecti ons for renewable projects but government agencies had refused to consider them.
“It’s as if they’rescared of proving themselves wrong,” she said.
“Undergr ound transmissi on is now the only way to optimise energy security for all Victorians.
“Overhead lines areincreasingly vulnerable to failureasextreme
weath er ev en ts bec ome mor e frequent. Climate scientists warn this risk will only grow.
“Gippsland’s offshorewind will be the backbone of Victoria’s future energy system. If Victorians want that energy to be reliable –ifthey want their lightson, theirfactories operating, and their businesses protected –then we need to go underground.
“When businesses lose power, they make no profit. The bills keep coming in, the losses mount, and the whole state economy takes the hit. The collapse of six towers near Anakie in 2024 cost $770 million by government estimates, and we all paid for it. We’ll keep paying for it every year through the maintenance and repair costs of overhead lines that should never have been built that way in the first place.”
VicGrid told the GippslandT imes in re cognition of the pr ospect new transmissioninfrastructure could be challenging and stressful for local communities, it was establishing afreeand confidential mental health program to support landholders and the community through the clean energy transition. Details on this program will be announced soon.
Responding to BTG’s concerns, VicGrid chief executiveAlistair Parker said the organisation was “absolutely committed to treating landholders with the respect they deserve and regularly reviewing our processes to ensureweare meeting their needs”.
“Weare also really grateful for the constructive way people in the project area have been engaging with our teams,” Mr Parker told the Gippsland Times “VicGrid is making difficult decisions as we deliverthis crucial infrastructureand we areworking hardtominimise impacts and keep down costs to reduce pressureon power bills.”
VicGrid told the GippslandT imes it was consulting landholders about the draft preferred route and seeking voluntary access agreements to undertake non-invasive technical studies and field surveys as part of the environment effects statement (EES)process.
VicGrid acknowledged that for some landholders, property access requestsmay feel confronting or inconvenient.
Vi cGrid ’s ap pr oac ht ot hes e requests is to first contact landholders by phone and letter Face-to-meetings between the landholder,alandholder liaison and aVicGrid representative are then pre-arranged at atime and location mos ts uitable for th e landholder.VicGrid said it was willing to hear any concerns about
its processes.
Landholders arebeing of fered financial paymentsof$1000 (exGST) for short-termagreements,for access of up to two weeks for low impact activities and studies.When access for up to three months is required, payments of $6000 (exGST) areoffered.
Accor ding to Vi cGrid, these payments areinrecognition of landholders’ time and any inconvenience these studies may cause.
Signing aland access agr eement doesn’t mean landholders areagreeing to host transmission infrastructure on their property. It only allows VicGridtocarry out studies and surveys to collect information needed to make, in the words of VicGrid, “fair,evidencebased decisions about the project’s design and ro ute and infor m environmental assessments”.
VicGrid is recommending adouble circuit 500-kilovolt overhead line for transmission.
During the design pr ocess, VicGrid investigated multiple combinations of technologies, including fully-undergrounding the transmission line. Following adetailed assessment, VicGrid deter mined an overhead transmission line was most suitable to deliver the first two gigawatts of energy in Gippsland.
According to VicGrid, most high voltagetransmissioninAustralia and ar ound the world is built on overhead alter nating current (AC) lines strung between pylons. Overhead high voltage AC lines can carry morepower,are easier to access for maintenance and allow for the connection of new renewable generation and storage along the line.
Overhead lines, VicGrid added, hadless impact on existing land uses such as agriculture. According to VicGrid, most farming practices can continueunderoverhead lines with some restrictions on irrigation, while overhead lines also have less impact on the environment due to less vegetation clearing and excavation works needed during construction of the lines.
Faultsinoverhead linesare much easier to locate and fix, compared to undergr ound lines, VicGrid claimed.
The design standards for transmission lines, setbyStandards Australia in consultation with industry, wereupdated in 2010 to address high intensity wind loading from thunderstorms and downburst/downdraft winds. The standards were updated again in 2016 to consider the risk of cascade failures or the failureofmultiple towers during an event.
StratfordfarmerSteven Pendrick, from Maroubra Free Range Eggs.
Photos: Stefan Bradley
Varroa danger down,but beekeepers urged to stay vigilant
AGRICULTURE Victoria is encouraging beekeepers to continue to report varroa mite despite the state transitioning to management of the pest.
Throughout August, largenumbers of beehivesweremoved intoalmond orchards for pollination. As anticipated, newdetections of Varroa have and will continue to occur across Victoria.
The focus is now on preparing beekeepers to live withthe pestwhile slowing its spread. AgricultureVictoria’s Varroa Development Officers areworking in field with beekeepers to ensure any positive loads within the state are well managed to minimise the biosecurity risk.
Under the Nati onal Va rr oa Mite Response Plan, Varr oa development officers areproviding guidance directly to beekeepers on how to manage Varroa mite and appr opriately utilise the
chemical control options available.
Victorian Chief Plant Health Of ficer Rosa Crnov stressed the importance of following all relevant processes.
"On September 11, AgricultureVictoria removed statewide border control measures on hives that werepreviously in place tomanagethe spreadofVarroa destructor into Victoria," Dr Crnov said.
"The change reflects the continued spread of Varroa across Victoria,New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and aligns with the national strategy to slow the spread of Varroa and transition to management.
"Beekeepers seeking to introduce bees, bee products or used beekeepingfittings intoVictoriafromany jurisdictionare still required to obtain ahealth certificate which has been modified to include Varroa related conditions."
After extensive industry consultation and with the expected continued spread of Varroa, AgricultureVictoria determined in September 2025 that morestringent movement restrictionscouldnolonger be justified.
This reductioninregulatory burden will further support business continuity for beekeepers seeking to introduce bees and hives into Victoria from jurisdictions whereVarroa is present and further support accesstopollination services for growers.
All beekeepers in Victoria areurged to check their hives and recordtheir inspections, mite testing results and hive movements in BeeMAX. By reporting varroadetections in BeeMAX, all beekeepers will be able to see the latest detectionsof varroa in Victoria.
Storm over Bom’s updated website
Katrina BRANDON
RECENT re vamp of the Bur eau of Meteorology (BOM) ended in disgust, with users claiming the changes have made it unfriendly.
BOM is known as one of many trusted weather services, whether it'splanning daily events or watching weather patterns throughoutthe year to determine when it's best to work on summer activities.
The new update, allegedly costing $4.1 million, hasbeenreviewedby users and the federal government, who, according to ABC,have told BOM to "fix it" as complaints come in far and wide.
At the time of the announcement, BOM claimed "the Bureau of Meteorology’s new website is now live, delivering asecure and resilient platfor mthat will enhance the delivery of trusted ser vices to all Australians," and that the new features "design and functionality improvements to the Bureau’s most frequently used pages, including for ecasts, observations and weather warnings."
Bureau of Meteorology(BOM) Acting CEO Dr Peter Stone announced on October 29 that the updated BOM website would see further improvements over the following weeks.
The websiteupdatelaunched on October 22, aiming to improve site navigation and accessibility, allow users to customise their app basedontheir location, enhance design, use simple language, and improve website security.
In the originalrelease, Dr Stone said the
“newBureau websitewillmake iteasier for the community to access daily weather infor mationand war nings, whichare viewedmorethan 2.6 billion times each year”, butfollowing the announcement was astormofcomplaints.
Another BOM spokesperson claimed that the update passed its “beta stage” with flying colours after a12-month beta phase. For mor ethan adecade, the for mer websiteserved the community well, but in recent years, it was due for an update. Despite users being happy with the application,itwas seen as a"beta stage" rather than afinished product.
In response to the negative feedback, Dr Stone shared avideo on socials discussing the changes.
“The new website was designed to improve the long-termsecurity, stability and resilience of critical Bureau services,” he said.
“I acknowledgethat therehave been concerns raised by the community about the new website, and Irecognise how significant these changes can be. We didn't make the changelightly,and Iappreciatethat it'll take some time for the community to adjust to them.
“I'd like to offer my sincereapologies for the challengesthe changehas caused
It's clear that we need to do moretohelp peoplenavigate the change,bothbymaking adjustments to the website and by helping users understand its new features.”
One featurethat people commented on, according to Dr Stone, was the radar He said therehad been alot of feedback on the radar about the newweb design and thatit was importantfor people to understand that the radar provides one view of the current weather situation, rather than looking ahead.
DrStone went on to say thatthe radar is “not intended to replicate or replace theBureau'sweatherwar nings, which arecreated by expert meteorologists and issued before a severe weather event” and that thereisa“range of forms of damaging weather that are covered in our warnings, but that don't appear on radar”.
“The safetyof Australians is aprimary concern, andI wanttoreiterate that our observations, forecasts,war nings and sever eweather updates haven't been compromised and continue to be readily available on our website, app and social media channels,” he said.”
“We'relistening to and welcome feedback on the new website - as we want to ensure we're delivering reliable service that every sector of the community can use, trust and rely on. We'removing quickly to act on feedback already received,and I'm confident the community will start to see moreimprovements in thecoming weeks. For moreinformation, go to https://www. bom.gov.au/
Poor preparation, not climate,‘causes bushfires’
CLIMATEchange hasbeen blamedin recent claims for the rising frequency and intensity of bushfires, but climate change does not cause bushfires, according to Howitt Society President Peter Flinn.
"Hiding behind climate change does not provide apractical strategy to combat the increasing number and severity of bushfires," he said.
Mr Flinn said firerequires three elements -anignition source, oxygen, and fuel. "Once afirestarts, the meteorological conditions of temperature, wind, slope etc and the fuel quantity will determine how it burns. The only factor we can influence is the amount of fuel available when afirestarts,"he said. Mr Flinn said while our climate is indeed becoming warmer and drier,itwas not this that is making fires moreintense or harder to control.
"Instead, it’s the unprecedented accumulationoffuelinour forests, aresult of poorlandmanagementpracticesover recent decades. Scientific facts support this reality:without fuel,fires cannot burn. The less fuel present, the less intense and
destructive afirebecomes," he said.
Mr Flinn said evenwith acompleteglobal halt to fossil fuel burning tomorrow, the warming effects of climate change would not reverse overnight.
In the meantime, Mr Flinn stressed the urgent need to adapt our land management methods to the conditions we facetoday and reduce the fuel. "Reducing fuel loads across large forested areas mustbeour focus," he said.
"Technologies and techniques for fuel reductionhavebeen developedand are well understoodbyland managers.What’s needed now is a policy shift at the government level and dedicatedfunding to achieve at least5 percentofthe forest area fuel
reducedannually -aligned with recommendations from the Royal Commission after the 2009 fires," he said.
"A comprehensive, well-funded fuel mitigation campaign is the most effective step we can takenow to lower firefrequency, severity, and protectlives,property, and our ecosystems inanera marked byincreasing warmth and dryness. It’s time to prioritise proactive landmanagement and policy action to reduce wildfirerisks beforemore lives, property and landscapes arelost."
New Bureau of Meteorology website BOM-ed.
Photos: iStock
HowittSociety claims bushfires arecausedbypoor preparation, rather than climate change.
Gasifying brown coal into fertilisers
Philip HOPKINS
GASSIFICATION of the Latrobe Valley's brown coal could produce notjust electricity but other commodities such as diesel, LPG, methanol, ammonia and urea, leading to the production of fertiliser, according to Victorian scientists and engineers with world expertise in energy processing. Theyare urgingthe gasification of the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal as atechnically viable means of producing Victoria’s future electric power
Dr Chris Hamilton, aleading Australian hydrocarbon specialist with 50 years’ international experience in industry, said Victoria is blessed with an enormous yet “strandedenergy asset”.“Thestate can significantly benefit through broaderutilisationofthis energy resource,” hetold Gippsland Farmer in an interview.
With Bass Strait oil and gas production in decline and insufficient natural gas forecasted, Victoria needs alternate sources of baseload energy to secureits futureenergy supply. “Gasification of brown coal offers the solution,"hesaid, while also producing important export commoditiesinmuch demand across South-East Asia.
Brian Davey, with 40 years’ experience as abrown coal technology expert with the SEC andinuniversity research, maintains that gasification is the next logical and most efficient step to use brown coal in a greenhouse-constrained world. He cites a major brown coal gasification plant in North Dakota in the US that employs hundreds
of people as amodel for the Valley.
Dr Hami lton said the well-p ro ven Integrated Gasification and Combined Cycle technology (IGCC) provides much moreefficient powergeneration.“Also, the carbon dioxide canberemoved and geo-sequestered (viacarbon captureand storage) into the deep shales under the Bass Strait oil and gas fields,” he said.
CCS is commercially applied in different parts of the world, withmorethan 200 sites using it for enhanced oil recovery. Dr Hamilton said coal gasification also opens up broader international markets for products like Fischer -Tropsch diesel, methane, methanol, DME (the organic compound Dimethyl ether), ammonia and urea.
"With key markets such as China, India and Japan on our doorstep, the potential opportunities aretremendous,” he said.
Dr Hamilton said for gasification to succeed, it was very important that both the state and federal governments provide the right support and encouragement behind industrytoinitiate aconcerted development program. Victorian brown coalisalmost two-thirds water so for efficient utilisation, the coal must be dried, he said.
Pr ofessor Owen Potter of Monash Unive rsit yi nven ted Stea m-Fl uid- Bed Drying, and this technology is now commercially proven and available. Ger man energy giant RWEusessteam fluidised bed drying at its 1000MW brown coal power station at Niederaussem in the Ruhr region of Germany.
Coal gasification was first commercialised
in Germany in the late 1920s, and it has been further developed and applied all over the world. In 1956, the Morwell Lurgi Gasification Plant, using German gasification technology, was broughtonstreamto supply Melbournewithmedium heating value towns gas.
Using briquetted brown coal from the nearby Morwellbriquette factory, the Lurgi gasification plant had five gasifiersand employed 200-300 people. The advent of Bass Strait natural gas, with its higher calorific value, led to the closureofthe Morwell plant in 1969.
Dr Hamilton said export markets arein growing need of the products that can be made from Victorian browncoal."What is lacking is the federal and state support for such enterprises. Perhaps of greater importance is that the Latrobe Valley is in seriousneedofnew industries to secure futureemployment for the many workers impacted by the impending closureofthe state's remaining coal-fired power stations. Coal gasification providesthat opportunity."
Mr Davey said gasification of brown coal takes advantage of the chemical energy in the coal. "Convert that to gas and then you can burnthat in agas turbine or you can use it as achemical base for other products, like hydrogen, ammonia, urea -all those arepossible," he said.
The CO2can be sequesteredinBass Strait. "It’s easy technology, the cost is as cheap as you will ever do it in the world. One reason it’s cheap -the short distance -about 66 kilometres. Also Bass Strait is
the best geology to storeCO2 in the world, it is fantastically porous and permeable; you put it in there, it goes in easily," he said.
Mr Davey said the gasifiercan also be made multi-purpose. "If know youhave ap ro blem with supply,y ou cans ay, ‘OK, we can switch from production of a product -hydrogen ammonia or urea -into electricity When it’s not producing power, it’s producing product. Youdon’t have to tur ndown the plant because there’s no market(as current coal-fired stations must do) -you’reproducing anumber of different products from the same plant; one is electricity and other products - hydrogen, ammonia, urea."
Mr Davey said that’s what happens in the Great Plains, North Dakota in the US. In their plant, they’ve got agasification plantthat has eightgasifiers," hesaid Theyalso pumpCO2 350 milestoCanada whereisisusedtooil production. "They do it economically. We areonly 66km, and regarding the injection wells,you do one and cover ahuge area. Thereisnocapital cost in putting in lots of injection wells," he said. "It’s ano-brainer."
Br own coal,in the Valley and North Dakota, has two significant advantages. "One, itgassifiesbeautifully, butyou do have to dry it. Second, it is never subject to commodity pricing; you can’t export it. You know the base cost of your raw material for the next 50 years. Youcan plan your financial position with absolute confidence for the next 50 years," he said.
Gasification, asolution in the “new” energy sector
Photo file
Tough fight to be best working dog
AFTERa gruelling 21-day competition that sawworkingdogsbattleit out on farms across Australia, the winner of the 2025 Cobber Challenge has officially been crowned.
Unfortunatelyfor local participants Mirboo North’s Caroline Houston with Bel ok aVaila and Wo nt ha gg i’s Je ss Zammitwith Bundaberg, eager pups from Queensland and New South Wales, tracked moretime and distance in the challenge.
Placing sixth, Beloka Vaila travelled 123.77km during the duration of the challenge,which wasover14 hoursand 22 minutes,while Bundaberg placed seventh with40.41km overthree hoursand 29 minutes.
About 11 dogs and their owners participated in the Cobber Challenge, with Beck and Duke from Stonehenge, Queensland, dominatingthe competition with atotal distance of 556.47km over 57 hours and 27 minutes.
Vaila is aone-year -old Kelpie who joined Caroline’s dairy farmasa spirited recruit to step into the boots of her ageing team eventually. Named after aShetland Island in honour of Caroline’s Scottish roots, Vaila’s enthusiasm, balance, and grit have quickly set her apart.
Although Viala is young, she has shown her promise through the challenge, taking home first place as anine-month-old at a puppy trial.
Jessand Bundaberg (or Bundy)share apowerful story of rescue, resilience and partnership.
Bundy, ablack and white kelpiecross border collie, was rescued by Jess after a touch-and-gorelationship with his previous owner.Untrained, aggressive and unruly, he was adif ficult fitatfirst -especially for Jess, whowas usedtoworking with female dogs.
But through patience,persistenceand foundational training, Jess built trust and connection.
The Cobber Challenge contestants were tested on speed, distance and duration over 21 days of activity, resulting in acomposite scoretofind the top dog from the rest of the pack.
Over the last decade, Cobber Challenge competitors have clocked up enough distancetolap Australia two and ahalf times, moving at apace that would take a human nearly half ayear to keep up with. Not bad for apack that still finds time to herdlivestock and chase the oddball.
Mirboo North’s BelokaViola showed gusto in the Cobber Challenge this year with promise for better results in futureyears.
Mirboo North farmer,Caroline Houston and BelokaViola placed sixth in Australia’sCobber Challenge. Photos: Contributed
GP1642217
Sheepdogs test their skills at Boolarra
Katrina BRANDON
OFFICIALLYcalling the Boolarra Recreation Reserve their home, the Berryden Working Sheepdog Trials celebrated another round of talent.
Afew years ago, the South Gippsland Working Dog Group, which helps run the trials, lostone of itsfounding members, Jean Moir,who was also the owner of the farminBerrys Creek wherethey had practised and trialed.
Seeing that the group needed anew venue, they took shelter at the reserve, wherethis year,itbecame official that they could “set up shop”.
As partofthe VictorianWorking Sheep Dog Association, the South Gippsland Working Dog Group continues to hold trials, helping to upskill and socialise their four -legged best friends.
The South Gippsl and Wo rki ng Dog Group is anon-profit community group dedicated to fostering the safe, efficient, and humane handling of livestockbyeducating stockmen, farmers, and dog owners in the effective use of working dogs. The group has beensupporting thedevelopment of good working dog training and handling for nearly 20 years. It is affiliated with the Victorian and Australian Working Dog Associationsand has members from all over the Gippsland region.
On November 14 to 16, the trial held in Boolarra commenced, seeing about 80 participants taking to the track. The trials took place on the “secondary” cricket field at the reserve,wheredogs had to twist and turnsheep through arace, into apen and through fences,all within a15-minute timeframe.
“The object of the trial is to collect three sheep from up the other end of the ground and bringthemdown toyourself at the
casting pen, then completethe course through the gap, the race and the bridge, and then you pop them into the pen, and you have 15 minutes,” Korumburra's 70th annualSheep Dog Trials winnersIrene Kelly said.
“Points aretaken offfor each misdemeanor,such as goingoutside the working area of each lane or going around the pen. It's not easy.”
Ms Kell yshow ed imp re ss ive re su lts with TK Portia at the wet and miserable KorumburraSheepdog Trials the week prior,and looked forwardtothe trials in Boolarra.
“I started trialling about 15 years ago,” Ms Kelly told the Gippsland Far mer
“My dogPortiais my second gooddog, and Ihad one beforethat. She’s been going quite well lately.
“Some sheepare just pretty hopeless, but if the dog is quieter,it’s easier for them to settle. But when the sheep arerunning, it is basically impossible to get them settled.”
Thesheep at the trials have never worked with dogs before, so they areunsureofwhat is going on or what they aresupposed to do.
Going into the trials, border collies and kelpies aretypically the favoured dogs to work with when working with sheep, as they usually have great talent and instinct forreading livestock, whether it be sheep, cattle, ducks, or other livestock types.
People come from far and wide for trials such as the Berryden Sheepdog Trials, with some even hailing from out of state.
This year,sheep wereunpredictable and not soeasy toworkwith, resultingina good trial with only aselect few making it through the course.
For moreinformation and moreevents, go to www.vwsda.org.au
Champions: Korumburra’s 70th annual Sheep DogTrials winners Irene Kelly with TK Portia wereexcited to be able to participate and watch this year’sBerryden Sheepdog Trials. Photos: Katrina Brandon
Keen watcher
Steady hand for moving sheep.
Sheepdogs worked hardatBoolarrawith hard to work with sheep.
Topmarks for beef
THE Australian beef industry has released its 2025 Annual Update under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF), showcasing record-breaking environmentalachievements,strengthened market access, and aclear roadmap for futuresustainability leadership.
Since 2005, the industry has reducednet CO²-E emissions by 70.1 per cent, largely driven by carbon sequestration in the landscape on grazing land.
Beef productionreachedanall-time high of 2.75 million tonnes, achieved with improved efficiency and reduced waste.
Solid waste to landfill in the processing sector fell by 71.6 per cent between 2022 and 2024,and 98per centof cattlewere processed through independently accredited animal welfarefacilities.
On the trade front, the industry alleviated $109 million in non-tariffbarriers, while exports to the United States surged by more than 30 per cent.
Patrick Hutchinson, Chair of the ABSF Steering Group, said the update reflects the industry’s commitment totransparency, resilience, and continuous improvement.
“This year’s update is morethan areport card. It is adeclaration of intent. We are not just meeting expectations; we aresetting them. From animal welfaretoclimate resilience, the Australianbeef industry is proving that sustainability is not acost. It is acompetitiveadvantage,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Wehave shown the world that beef production can coexist withbiodiversity, that emissions can be reduced without compromising profitability,and that our self-funded sector can lead global conversations on fairand crediblesustainability metrics.”
The re por ta ck now led ges chal le nge s ahead. Newmandatory climate-related
financial disclosurerules will requirelarge supply chains to report Scope 3emissions, necessitating further focuson carbon accounting by the industry.
Workforce shortagesacross the supply chain continue to impact productivity and innovation, while inconsistent global sustainability standards highlight the need for Australia’s leadership in defining credible metrics.
Looking forward, the ABSF has identified three priorities to guide futureinvestment and reporting:feedsourcing, improved traceability across the value chain, and partnerships thatfoster innovation through cross-sector collaboration.
“Thefutureof beefsustainability lies in collaboration and cr edibility,” Mr Hutchinson added.
“Retailers and investors want assurance, not anecdotes. Thatiswhy we areinvesting in traceability, science-basedemissions reduction, and data-driven reporting. We arebuilding abeef industry that is not only sustainable but investable.”
The ABSF continues to align with global standards including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) Global Goals, ensuring Australian beef remains atrusted, high-valueprotein in international markets.
Forretailers,investors, and supply chain partners, the 2025 Annual Update sends a clear signal: Australian beef is leading the way in sustainable protein production with the evidence to back it up.
To view the ABSF Annual Report 2025 in its entirety, pleasevisit: https://www sustainableaustralianbeef.com.au/ globalassets/beef-sustainability/documents/absf-2025-annual-update_web.pdf?
Planning controlsfor Bass Coast protection
LONG -TE RM plan nin gc ontr ols to safeguardBass Coast's natural beauty, local economyand unique character have been promulgated by the state government.
The Minister for Planning,Sonya Kilkenny, has announced the approval of the Bass Coast Stateme nt of Planning Policy (SPP) by the Governor in Council, which now forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
The Bass Coast joins the Bellarine Peninsula, SurfCoast and Macedon Ranges as one of Victoria’s officially declar ed Distinctive Ar eas and Landscape s- each safeguar ded through long-termplanning controls that protect their environment, identity and community values.
The new policy sets a50-year vision for the region’sfuture-lockingin 24 settlement boundaries acr oss townships including Cowes ,San Remo, Grantville, Cape Paterson, and Kilcunda.
The Bass Coast declar ed ar ea recognises some of Victoria’s most cherishedplaces- including Phillip Island NaturePark, Bunurong Marine National Park, the Kilcunda coastline and Strzelecki Foothills -alongside the region’s proud mining heritage and world-class dairy industry.
The SPP reflects ashared commitment to protect what makes the region special. It was developed in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast ShireCouncil, government agencies,
the Distinc tive Ar ea Lands capes Standing Advisory Committee and local community groups.
Aplanning scheme amendment will now embed these protections into the Bass Coast Planning Scheme -ensuring the landscape, environment and lifestyle that define the regionare preserved well into the future.
These safeguards build onrecent investment in Bass Coast, including the redevelopment ofthe Penguin Paradeboardwalk and viewingstands.
The Membe rf or Ba ss, Jor dan Crugnale, said Bass Coast’scoastline, far mland and townships make it a truly specialplace to live, work and visit."Now we’velockedinprotections to keep it that way,” she said.
Photo: iStock
FIERCE FIRE SEASON
Withthe CSIRO warning of what looks likea potentiallycatastrophic fire season, it’s obvious that preparationsare vital.
Australian Pump Industries has spentthe last 30 yearsworking hard to develop portablefirepumps that particularlysuit Australia’sconditions.
The result is acontinuing process of developing pumps rangingfromultralites weighing only 5kilos to serious twin impeller pumps with truly amazing capabilities
Across thecountry,firefighting authorities arewarningofmoredisastrous bushfires not only takingtheir toll in countryareas but,alsoonthe outskirtsofmajor cities, towns and villagesacross Australia.
WHATCREATES A BUSHFIRE?
Professor of Pyrogeography andFire Science, DavidBowman saysittakes fuel, heatand wind to create truly disastrous fires.
To quote theprofessor, “thereisa sense of denial withmany folk only realising the dangerwhentheysmell smoke andsee embers flying throughthe air.
By then it’s toolate to makea decision about staying or protecting property.”
FIGHT OR FLIGHT?
To face reality,some homes, due to their location, construction anddesign, are simply notsafe enough to defend.
Australian Pump warn theresponsibility is with the homeowner to make sure they areprepared andfollow theinstructions of thefirefighting authorities. Those authorities worktogether closelytomake sure peopleare warned adequately
Theyspend hugeamounts of moneyon television advertising justtomake sure the populationis awareofthe dangers
GET GOOD ADVICE
Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer,John Hales,recommends takinga scaled drawing of your propertytoanauthorised Aussie Pumps distributor
Theywilladvise whatyou need foran externalsprinklerand fireprotection system.
Manyofthem do installations as well.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS
Fireauthoritiesaround thecountryare promotinganawareness of thenew fire danger ratings.
If you decidetostay anddefend as part of your survival plan,yourpropertymust be suitably prepared.
Therequiredplanning and preparation includesthe installationofreliable equipment!
As aguidetomaking that critical decision of fightorflight, take note of the newratings and chart.
On days of catastrophic firedanger,even well prepared homesmay notsurvive Leaving early is thesafest optionunder these conditions.
WHATABOUT PUMPS?
That’swhere Australian Pump comeinto their own.
30 years agothe companystartedwith theclear mission of producing products that werebetter than those currently available.
The result wasa rangeofself-priming centrifugal firepumps thatare unique to Australia and offer significantlybetter performanceand features
“Weput more material into our pumps to make abigger bowl and bigger impeller”, saidHales.
“That bigger bowl gives morevolume and the impeller,alarger diameterthan theold major brands, Davey and Onga, gives us more pressureaswell
The key to pumpdesignis allabout balancebetweenperformance and available horsepower.”
Working with Honda engineers,Hales andthe AussiePumpengineering team haveintroduced pumps which produce moreflow andwaterthancompetitors, but don’toverload the Hondaengine that drivesthem.
“Matchtesting withHonda engineers andgettingthatperfectbalance between performance and horsepower is critical in afire”,saidHales.
“We’ve achieved that notjustinthe lightweight portable fire pumps like theAussie FireChief,but in ourbigger pumps as well”.
CHOOSE THE PUMP WISELY
Once youhavea water source, the actionnow is forthe homeownertoget equipped witha reliable pump, powered by areliableengineand getthe best possible combinationofpressure and flow.
Questionsthatneedtobeasked areas follows;
Will thepumpdeliver enough pressure andflow to feedthe sprinklers and a coupleoffirehoses?
Willitdraw waterfromadam even when thewaterlevel drops?
Willthe pump primefast?
That’swhereAussie QP pumps,“Quick Prime”come in TheAussie FireChief,the product leader, will lift waterthrough avertical of 7.6 metres!
That’s significantly more than itscompetitors
Will it startfirsttime every time?
“That’swhy we chooseHonda petrol engines because they aresoreliable, unless they’reona slope when theoil alertkicks in,theywillworkperfectly under themostdifficult conditions. We choose Honda because we know third world copy engines areoften unreliable
For afirepump to have asub-standard engine is asking for trouble!” said Hales.
THE AUSSIE PUMP NETWORK
Australian Pump Industrieshas a network Australia wide and more recently internationally as well, that appreciates the performance andquality andvalue for moneyofthe product range
ShipmentstoIndonesia, Canada and Africaare an everydayoccurrence for Australian Pump as this company continues to expand its capabilitiesto provide veryreal climate change support, whether it’sfloods, firesordrought. “Werelate to thepeople on theland but aremoreand more conscious of the need for protecting people on the outskirts of keycities”, said Hales.
If you’reinterestedinprotectingyour property,gosee your localAussiePump distributorand pick up acopyofa free Bushfire SurvivalGuide. It is partofAussie’sprogram to educate andhelpprepare forwhatlookslike a wickedfireseason
ASALUTE TO THE VOLUNTEERS
TheteamatAustralian PumpIndustries have ahugerespect forthe volunteer firefighters aroundAustralia Those volunteerbrigades arequite uniqueinthe sensethattheyhavethe skills and knowledge of true professionals butgive their time and risk their lives,freeofchargetohelpprotect their communities
They deserve respectand thanks Furtherinformation on theabove is available from AustralianPump Industries or your local authoriseddealer
FireSeason is coming fast …time to preparewithAussie Pumps 5Year Warranty on Pump end.
Aussie’sBushfireSurvival Guide available from your local Aussie Pumps Dealer
