As part of the community consultation, a citizens’ panel of 40 people who represent the diverse voices of the community will be formed.
A invitation to join the panel has been sent to 8000 randomly selected addresses. Panel members will then be chosen through a lottery undertaken by external consultants.
The citizens’ panel will take place from March 21 to 23 in Echuca, but if you don’t receive an invitation “we still want to hear from you,” Mayor Daniel Mackrell said.
“Residents can complete our anonymous online survey, which is open until March 10. It’s quick and easy to do, and a great way to have your voice heard,” Cr Mackrell said.
For more information and to complete the survey, go to: www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/futurecampaspe
Rural Aid gets welcome boost
Rural Aid celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025 with the news the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association (ALPA) has named Rural Aid as its official charity partner for the year.
“Rural Aid’s mission aligns perfectly with our profession, our families, our staff, our clients, and the rural communities we serve across Australia,” ALPA CEO Peter Baldwin said.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said ALPA members are more than just agents.
“They often find themselves in the same challenging conversations as we do, supporting farmers through difficult times,” he said.
As part of its commitment, ALPA will host three charity auctions at its Young Auctioneers Dinners in Sydney, Brisbane, and Victoria/South Australia.
For more information on Rural Aid’s work and how to support its initiatives, visit: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/
P-plate petition launched
A parliamentary petition is calling on the Victorian Government to reduce the minimum probationary drivers’ licence age from 18 to 17, in line with other states.
State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said she had been contacted by many young people, parents and grandparents keen to see the probationary driving age reduced.
“I have been contacted by people across the state keen to see the law changed in Victoria, particularly in regional areas where there is limited or no public transport available, and not everyone has a parent or carer available to ferry them around,” Ms Broad said.
“For young people who have done the hours of training and are ready to drive safely on their own, a drivers licence opens doors to educational and employment opportunities, access to health services, to engage in community events and sports and to help others.”
She said in 2017, a parliamentary committee inquiry recommended Victoria lower the age to 17.
Ms Broad is sponsoring the petition in the Legislative Council. The petition closes on April 30 and can be found here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/reduce-probationary-driving-age/
Have a say on council’s assets
Greater Shepparton City Council is reviewing its Asset Plan and is keen to know what the community regards as essential.
Council owns and manages almost $2 billion of assets and offers more than100 services to the community.
Assets include different types of facilities, infrastructure and living assets and are grouped into four main infrastructure groups — transport, open spaces, buildings and stormwater.
Residents are invited to have a say in the Asset Plan review by letting council know what is important to them and what they would like council to focus on.
Drop into the Customer Service Counter at 90 Welsford St, Shepparton to fill out a hard copy survey, or talk to council staff at: Shepparton Marketplace on Friday, February 28 from noon to 2pm; Tatura Community House on Wednesday, March 5 from noon to 1.30pm; or Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre on Wednesday, March 12 from noon to 1.30pm.
Times may change for Tatura and Mooroopna. Check the website before attending: https://shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/asset-plan
You can have your say online at the same web page until Friday, March 21.
Ag commissioner welcomed
NSW Farmers has welcomed the appointment of the state’s first legislated independent Agriculture Commissioner as farmers face mounting challenges around land use and productivity.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said Alison Stone had the job to provide strategic advice on agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity issues within the state.
“The appointment of Ms Stone as the state’s Agriculture Commissioner is a solid step towards a fairer future for our farmers, as they battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts,” NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said.
“Water is being taken away from farms, farms are being taken away for renewable energy developments and there is increasing pressure to lock up other land thanks to native vegetation maps — putting farmers under the pump like never before.
“Independent advice and solutions to solve these land use conflicts would go a long way to forging a future that ensures our farmers can keep farming, so Australia can continue to feed and clothe the world.”
