New deadline brings mixed response
The decision by the Victorian government to bring forward the end of native forest logging to January 2024 has been met with differing reactions ... "There are very few production systems on the globe that offer stronger sustainability credentials than well managed native forests. In fact, we know that well managed native forests can actually provide superior biodiversity, fire and climate outcomes": President of Forestry Australia, Dr Michelle Freeman ... On the other side of the coin, the Victorian National Parks Association ...
Power project marks another milestone
Despite recent news about time and cost blowouts, the Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro mega project has achieved another important construction milestone, with a second tunnel excavation completed at Lobs Hole. The 2.93-kilometre emergency, cable and ventilation tunnel (ECVT) has been excavated and fully lined with 13,140 locally-manufactured concrete segments by tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kirsten.
Sought after genetics pump up price
A South Australian bull created a bidding frenzy in the sale barn at the recent 58th Herefords Australia National Sale to sell for the top price of $75,000. Held at the Wodonga Exhibition Centre, the sale was southern Australia’s single biggest multi-vendor British bred offering with 53 vendors from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Emergency numbers
During this National Volunteer Week both the CFA and SES have publicly thanked their members for their dedication and selflessness. In the Upper Murray, the local CFA and SES units go "above and beyond" for their communities and have a long history of service however, similar to other volunteer organisations, their numbers have been dwindling.
Wetlands woodland is taking shape
Friends of the Corryong Wetlands recently conducted a tree planting day as part of its native flora re-vegetation project ... we were greatly surprised and encouraged when 19 turned up! "We would like to say a big thank you to everybody who participated": project coordinator, John Murphy.
Dancer takes aim at state titles
Continuing her good form, Sarah Jarvis recently wrapped up her metropolitan solo campaign at the 2023 Calisthenics State Championships at The Besen Centre in Burwood. This was her fifth and final competition in the 17 Years Open Reserve Division, against dancers from all around Victoria.
Region rises from the ashes
A hidden waterfall nestled in the heart of the Upper Murray that emerged from the ashes following the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires is just one of several recovery projects now coming to fruition. The region was devastated by the bushfires and the pandemic lockdowns caused significant delays to the recovery process but replacement housing as well as a host of new projects are well underway or have been completed. One of the gems brought to light after the fires is Thowgla Falls, which is located on Marginal Road in the Thowgla Valley.
