NEWS DESK
Western Port
Field work: Small farm consultant David Stewart (khaki shirt) spoke of the benefits of erecting stock containment areas on a Coolart Rd property.
Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty Ltd
PHONE: 03 5973 6424 Published weekly. Circulation: 15,000
Journalists: Mike Hast, Stephen Taylor, Neil Walker 5973 6424 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Val Bravo 0407 396 824 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Maria Mirabella Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: David Harrison, Barry Irving, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst. ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016
Local news for local people We stand as the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential for a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
To advertise in Western Port News contact Val Bravo on 0407 396 824 Western Port
Tips for farming in dry times MOST of the 30 Mornington Peninsula property owners at a dry conditions workshop at Tyabb Hall, Thursday, run livestock on, with a few engaging in horticulture. The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority’s Nicole Green said many landholders on the peninsula faced significant challenges in trying to manage their land during times of low rainfall or drought. “However, having the knowledge and resources available to help prepare for these conditions can greatly improve the resilience of their land and their ability to remain financially via-
ble during these tough times,” she said. At the workshop, Agriculture Victoria’s Nick Dudley and John Bowman spoke about managing feed for stock during dry conditions, calculating water use on properties and planning for times of low rainfall. Their presentation on climate variability showed that farmers were increasingly experiencing years of unpredictable and variable rainfall, making it hard to predict falls and prepare for dry conditions. State government animal welfare officer Craig Swain spoke about caring for stock and maintaining high stand-
ards of animal welfare in dry conditions. After the workshop, attendees visited a sustainable agriculture property on Coolart Rd, Baxter, owned by Maria Parnham, which has received funding through the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority. Small farm consultant David Stewart, who is working with Ms Parnham, spoke of the benefits of providing shade and shelter for agriculture, as well as erecting stock containment areas to protect native vegetation. Stephen Taylor
Since1975
MIKE’S CARPET DISCOUNTERS We’ve got you covered! • CARPETS • VINYLS • LAMINATE • TIMBER • BLINDS
CARPET 3 ROOMS from
$
790 installed
We will beat any written quote
www.mikescarpets.com.au w .au Shop online
2/544-546 Frankston-Dandenong Rd,, 2
CARRUM DOWNS C
03 9775 1677 OPEN 7 DAYS 0 email: info@mikescarpets.com.au e
PAGE 6
Western Port News 23 February 2016
Mike’s
We Deliver Door-to-Door Australia-wide