Vic

Much-loved Agricultural Shows across Victoria are taking an unfair hit, with the State Government funding frozen and failing to keep pace with the rising cost-of-living. Despite soaring inflation, the Agriculture and Pastoral Society Grants Program has remained stagnant at $300,000 in total funding, with a $10,000 maximum for each Show. In real terms, funding for Agricultural Shows has dramatically dropped. Staggeringly, there is less funding available than 19 years ago.

Gannawarra Shire Council staff have awarded the $500,000 State Government’s Community Development Fund to Melbourne based Urban Enterprises. The $500,000 grant from the Victorian Labor Government was in response to the Andrews – Allan Government’s decision to end over 150 years of native forestry in the state. Urban Enterprises edged out three rival bids for the contract, two being Barham-based and from Bendigo.

Worksafe is issuing a reminder about the safe operation of powered mobile plant on farms. A 61-year-old farmer died when a large self-propelled auger he was operating tipped over, killing him instantly ...  Agriculture makes up only 2 per cent of Victoria’s workforce, but 14 per cent of workplace deaths.