News in brief

Works will involve the full demolition of the existing timber bridge structure, removal of associated infrastructure and the restoration of land-based abutments of the bridge.

The plans also include the rehabilitation of the surrounding riverbank and a strategy to honour the bridge’s historical significance.

The permit was issued under the Heritage Act 2017 and includes a range of conditions set in place to protect the bridge’s heritage value during the works.

These conditions require the engagement of qualified heritage and structural consultants, comprehensive archival documentation, a detailed Heritage Interpretation Strategy to inform the community on the bridge’s historical significance, and strict oversight by Heritage Victoria.

Register your pets now

City of Greater Shepparton residents must register their cats and dogs before Thursday, April 10 to ensure their pets are safe, identifiable and legally compliant.

All cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered, with free registration available for pets under six months old.

All animals must be microchipped, and all cats must be desexed unless exempt under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, before they can be registered.

When registering a pet, owners must provide documents such as microchipping and desexing certificates, as well as applicable concession cards to qualify for discounts.

Eligible residents holding a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card may be able to access support through the PAWS Program. Applications for this program close on Monday, March 31.

Residents with pets already registered will have received a renewal notice in the mail as a reminder. New pet registrations can be completed online via the council website or in person at at 90 Welsford St, Shepparton.

For more information, call 5832 9700 or visit: https://greatershepparton.com.au/animals-environment-and-waste/animals/pets/animal-registration

Country gardeners missing out

EPA Victoria says too many country gardeners are missing out on free soil screening from a government project that’s mapping soil conditions across the state.

The EPA says 2000 home gardeners have registered for GardenSafe and sent in more than 5000 soil samples so far, but most have come from the metropolitan area.

“Register on the EPA Victoria website, send in three small samples and you’ll receive a scientific assessment of your soil condition and the trace elements it contains,” Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Mark Patrick Taylor said.

“It’s a free offer to home gardeners anywhere in Victoria, but we’re not seeing many samples from country areas so far,” he said.

“EPA’s scientists will add your soil data to a study that is mapping soil condition across the state. You’ll be helping scientific research and getting a detailed report on what’s feeding your garden.”

For more information and to register, go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/citizen-science-program/gardensafe

Road safety upgrades begin

Nearly $1 million has been invested in critical road safety improvements in Moira Shire, with works to commence on improving three dangerous black spots.

Works include safety upgrades such as improved signage, line marking, sealed shoulders, splitter islands and electronic speed limit signs.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March, with completion expected by May.

Local contractor O’Loughlin Excavations Pty Ltd (OLEX) has secured the $967,131.70 contract, which is funded by the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.

Moira Shire Council administrator Graeme Emonson said by addressing these known black spots, “we’re taking proactive steps to reduce crash risks and create safer journeys for residents and visitors”.

The works will target three locations: Labuan Rd between Murray Valley Hwy and Sandmount Rd, Strathmerton; the intersection of Campbell Rd and Murray Valley Hwy, Cobram; and the intersection of Peach Rd, Healy Rd and Benalla-Tocumwal Rd, Cobram.

In addition, the Department of Transport and Planning will soon start upgrade works for the Labuan Rd/Murray Valley Hwy intersection, also funded by the Black Spot program. Those works are expected to be completed by the middle of the year.

Funding for rural initiatives

Applications for funding from the Rabo Community Fund have opened to rural and regional community organisations making a meaningful contribution to ‘the bush’.

The Rabo Community Fund is focused on helping address key agribusiness industry and community challenges, which relate to the six key themes of: long-term industry capacity and agricultural education; environmental sustainability; rural/urban connection; natural disaster resilience; rural wellbeing; and adaptation/disruption.

To be considered, eligible applicants must have an initiative that aligns with addressing one of the six key themes.

Applications close on Thursday, May 1. Further information and application forms can be on the Rabobank website.