Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Neil J Eagle AO. We now see communities and irrigators questioning why, when dams on the Murrumbidgee and Murray are now pre-releasing or spilling, the allocations remain so low – 30% NSW Murray and 52% Murrumbidgee. The cause dates back to the early 1990s when the anti-irrigation element imbedded in our bureaucracy and, egged on by groups like the ‘Wentworth Group’, began proclaiming our rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin were over-allocated and in dire decline.

As communities and businesses continue to tread water with no active cases, let alone positive PCR tests, do our state leaders have target fixation on COVID-19? Economic downturn, mental health, child welfare and, according to Dr Anne Webster, a rise in disobedience are all the result of lockdowns and restrictions.

The Massive Murray Paddle holds important significance within the paddling community, and for the charities and local causes the event supports. COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll on events and races over the past two years, and we felt it was very important not to cancel our event for the second time in its 52-year history ... The Massive Murray Paddle 2021 will now take place from 21-25 February, 2022 ... The event generates important funds for communities in the region. Between 2016 and 2019, the event has contributed $800,585 to local community causes ...

The frogs are singing and the harvesters ring in the Guttrum Forest. Reed Bed Swamp has been receiving a blessing of water across the forest floor ... Redgum saplings, salinity, midstorey and understorey condition are themes of contention between locals and government agencies ... I wonder what will happen if the Victorian Andrews Government continues with plans to end native forestry. Who will promote forest health and manage density?

“With the current limit for seasonal workers expected to be met by October – and a forecast shortage of up to 24,000 workers in the horticulture industry – Labor’s Agriculture Minister can’t afford to delay ... The time is now for the government to roll out rapid testing. It’s a way to keep Victorians safe. It’s a way to help reopen this state and keep us open, and that’s what Victorians need as much as anything else,” said Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh.

Kendall Jennings. Logan McNeil’s progress is something I look forward to researching. Logan has now notched 57 career race wins. The latest was on August 9 aboard ‘Super Quick Love’, a chestnut six-year-old mare, winning by a 1.8 length margin over 2000 metres at Mildura for the second time.

It was an emotional night at the Royal Hotel in Barham as locals bared their souls to Member for Murray Helen Dalton. The continual tit for tat between New South Wales and Victoria has been a wrecking ball on businesses, families, local economy, and the wellbeing of our residents ... “For us, financially, we have just sold our house to keep the bank at bay. If things don’t ultimately change soon, it will be very detrimental to us”: Ben Watts, Barham Holiday Park

The first of three environmental water deliveries planned for areas within Koondrook-Perricoota Forest F21-22 commenced on August 7. This year marks the seventh consecutive year of managed deliveries to the Pollack, as of August 13 ... The first watering has already made a positive impact on the site with new shoots and leaves appearing.