Vic

Welcome to the latest game in town, Lockdown Lotto where random reigns and the numbers don’t add up. This afternoon’s announcement by the Victorian Government of another state wide lockdown has become a plaything for the Premier, and a serious challenge for Victorian businesses and families. Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, says it’s a seven-day lockdown without the backing of science or logic.

Eliza Berlage. SA/ Vic Border Districts’ club presidents have implored the State Government to “stop punishing” their community with restrictions ... The restrictions are "disappointing", "mentally draining" and "detrimental" to the morale of clubs and the broader community. "The bubble is absolutely ridiculous. You may as well put the Berlin Wall up at the border."

Rob Locke. Hume Dam is already at 76 per cent capacity and rising, with predictions it will spill. There have been calls for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to release water to reduce the possible impact of flooding. And, this all comes at a time when local irrigators have a meagre 10 per cent allocation, which Southern Riverina Irrigators chair, Chris Brooks, describes as ‘disgraceful’.

Eliza Berlage. The head of the local forestry industry group has added his voice to calls for the South Australian government to establish a dedicated cross-border commissioner. Forestry was missed in the initial list of essential work provided by SA Health, with clarification only received at 11am on the first day of lockdown that it was included as primary industry. Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub chair Ian McDonnell said a commissioner could have ensured more preparedness in these situations, rather than the “scramble” that occurred.

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