The newly completed section offers 11km of trail between the town of Rushworth and the Campaspe Shire boundary at Channel Inlet Rd.
It features two surface types: a 2.5m-wide 1km-long asphalt path which begins at the High St footpath in Rushworth and ends at Bendigo-Murchison Rd; and a 10km gravel section that continues east to the shire boundary.
The newly completed trail now connects with the eastern section developed by Greater Shepparton City Council in 2015, completing a 19km trail which follows the alignment of the decommissioned railway line from Rushworth to Murchison.
The Waranga Rail Trail passes through cultural and historical areas, including the heritage-listed Rushworth railway goods shed, siding and turntable; Waranga Basin; the Cattanach and Sturt Murray canals; and Doctors Swamp Wildlife Reserve.
Toolamba Bridge closed
Essential maintenance works are scheduled for the Toolamba Bridge, which will focus on replacing damaged bridge decking to ensure a safer surface for motorists.
As a result, Bridge Rd, Toolamba will be closed to all traffic between Newnham Rd and Meadow Dve from Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21.
Greater Shepparton City Council encourages residents and commuters to plan ahead and use alternative routes during this period to minimise any inconvenience.
For further information, contact council’s Civil Infrastructure Team via phone 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Labor says it will save the bush
The Albanese Government says its Saving Australia’s Bushland Program will invest $250 million over the next five years to boost conservation, helping to deliver Labor’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of land and 30 per cent of seas by 2030.
“Protecting land includes actively managing landscapes by taking steps to eradicate invasive weeds and feral animals and create safe havens for native species,” a government statement said.
“This program will not stop Australians enjoying the great outdoors including through recreational fishing, camping or picnics.”
Varroa mite online training
Beekeepers have another tool at their disposal to fight varroa mite with the roll-out of a new online training program.
Developed by the National Varroa Mite Management Program, the free ‘Introduction to varroa management’ course takes beekeepers through a range of online topics that help them prepare for the bee-afflicting mite.
It will give beekeepers a greater understanding of the life cycle of the mite, its effect on bees and colonies, and the importance of integrated pest management.
Each topic can be typically completed in 15 to 30 minutes, with beekeepers able to log back in at any time.
To access the ‘Introduction to Varroa’ online course, visit: https://www.varroa.org.au/online-training
For more information on the National Varroa Mite Management Program, visit: https://www.varroa.org.au
Call for action against feral deer
With deer breeding season fast approaching, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road, as well as increased activity and damage across Australia’s landscapes.
National Deer Management coordinator Annelise Wiebkin said feral deer cause serious damage in farmland, native bushland and urban areas and that breeding season is a particularly critical time to notice their presence and manage their impacts.
“Feral deer activity will intensify in coming weeks, so people may see deer more often or even for the first time in a new area. It’s important the community reports sightings on the free DeerScan app,” Dr Wiebkin said.
“Farmers are fed up. Deer cause $69 million in agricultural productivity losses and $4.5 million in vehicle and train collisions each year,” National Feral Deer Action Plan Committee chair Ted Rowley said.
Download the DeerScan app at: https://www.feralscan.org.au/deerscan/
Safety spend after work injury
A north-east Victorian fruit grower will spend an estimated $220,000 to improve health and safety outcomes after a worker’s hand was caught and degloved in a conveyor belt.
On March 5, the Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard Koala Cherries Pty Ltd had entered into an Enforceable Undertaking while facing two charges of failing to provide safe plant; one charge of failing to provide information, instruction and training to employees; and one charge of failing to maintain a safe system of work.
WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.
In December 2021, a labour hire worker was sorting cherries during her first shift at the company’s packing facility in Yarck, when she noticed a box stuck on a conveyor belt adjacent to her own.
While both machines were still running, the worker reached over to dislodge the box and her hand was caught in the pinch point of the neighbouring conveyor, where the belt and rollers met. The worker was taken to hospital and treated for a degloving injury.
For more, go to: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-03/220000-safety-spend-after-workers-hand-entangled-conveyor
