THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
JANUARY, 2016
BEEF WEEK
486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, 3127
FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
PAGES 10-15
PAGES 18-19
WATER MANAGEMENT PAGE 22
Outcome on port lease must benefit all Release of parliamentary report welcomed, however, key issues still need to be addressed
CHAMPION BREEDERS: Modella-based Louden Holsteins has taken out first place in the 15th annual Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Dairy Competition with their three-year old heifer Arrowstar Goldwyn Paradise-ET. Pictured here from left to right are Alex Mathews from Semex, David and Elaine Louden and judge Matthew Templeton. Three thousand cows on 500 farms across Australia have now been judged in the competition which has a distinctive format that brings commercial and registered dairymen together. The cows are judged for their conformation on-farm – without any preparation – which opens up the entries in an exciting way, and always uncovers exciting cows that no one has seen before. PHOTO: Stu Mackie
THE release of the report into the proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne has addressed some of the concerns highlighted by farming groups alike, however, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the Australian Dairy Council (ADIC) there are still a number of key issues that need to be addressed to encourage fair competition and efficiency. Both the ADIC and VFF welcomed the Parliament of Victoria’s report on the proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne, with ADIC chair Simone Joliffe having said that the dairy industry was pleased to see key recommendations address a number of concerns around the proposed lease. “This report’s recommendations reflect the
industry concerns regarding the impact of the lease on leaseholders,” she said. “In particular, the recommendations to amend legislation that will lock in a role for the Essential Services Commission to manage complaints around port pricing is a positive acknowledgement of industry advice. “However, key issues including safeguards for lease holders are not addressed. “There needs to be greater oversight and safeguards on fees and charges for port uses.
Continued page 6
Ph: 1300 551 099 Mob. 0417 563 955
Stop heat and prevent corrosion Trust only Bondioli & Pavesi and Bima for
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
For more information
Protect your investment Saves you money
BY JODIE FLEMING
www.thermoshield.com.au g
ting the farmin Proudly suppor nce 1950 community si
“The complete agricultural driveline solution”
PO Box 16, Silvan, VIC 3795 info@thermoshield.com.au
FACTORY 3, 16-20 DINGLEY AVE., DANDENONG 3175
PH. (03) 9794 5889 FAX (03) 9794 0272
Email: richard@bypy.com.au Web: www.bypy.com.au For emergency A/H service call (03) 9794 5889
t/05d07590-v12/50-15
Call the professionals today for on the spot service, genuine parts and advice PTY LTD