Construction starts on levee
Construction is set to soon begin on one of Numurkah’s most anticipated projects, with earthworks scheduled to start for the $3.5 million northern levee from early May.
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As the first stage of the broader Numurkah Flood Mitigation levee project, construction will see a 3.12km levee constructed from the Goulburn Valley Hwy to Kinnairds Rd.
The first major section of works will begin along Station St near the wetlands from early May, which is expected to take about two weeks.
Construction will be carried out in blocked segments, timed to ensure smooth progress and minimal impact on traffic and pedestrians in key areas.
Some sections of nearby walking tracks will be closed during construction, and traffic management will be in place when construction moves near roads.
Local contractor Mick Hogan Excavations has been appointed to carry out the works, which are expected to be completed in late 2025.
Shape the future of food
The Campaspe Food Network has invited the community to share their views on the local food system through a new survey.
The survey seeks insights on issues and opportunities relating to how food is grown, distributed and consumed.
The results will be used to guide potential strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability, accessibility and resilience of Campaspe Shire’s food system.
The survey will be open until Friday, May 16 at 5pm.
To take part in the survey, visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/FoodSystemsSurvey
Draft hemp plan seeks input
The NSW Government is supporting the state’s hemp industry with a draft NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan now open for public comment.
The draft plan proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW.
Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities and guide government, industry and stakeholders to work together in growing the NSW hemp industry.
With the global hemp market projected to grow, the plan identifies where government, industry and stakeholders can concentrate efforts to capitalise on opportunities for the local hemp industry.
The draft NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is open for feedback via the NSW Government website and will close on Monday, May 19.
Helping hone admin skills
Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils have partnered with rural training provider AgriFocused to deliver farm business skills for primary producers.
The practical online Farm Office Plus program provides tools to improve management of the ‘office side’ of farming businesses.
The hands-on training aims to assist with establishing easy record-keeping systems, streamlining bill payment and bookkeeping, reduce accounting fees, minimise filing time and develop time management skills.
Farm businesses can sign up for Farm Office Plus training at a discounted price, limited to 160 and will be distributed in order of registration.
Rabobank’s NSW Client Council member and Gunning-based sheep and cattle producer Lucy Knight said there is a “need and thirst” among farmers to build office administration skills.
For more information, head to: agrifocused.com.au/rabobankfarmofficeplus
Submissions for chicken review
ABARES is seeking submissions to inform its review of the Australian chicken meat industry.
Submissions are open to all interested parties and will not be published.
The review will examine whether there is evidence of market failure within the industry, and if so, potential actions that could be introduced, as applicable.
The review will also consider information contained in recent industry inquiries and examine the industry’s evolution over time.
ABARES will provide a draft report for stakeholder review and comment by mid-2025 with a final report to government due as soon as practicable.
Submissions can be made until Friday, May 30, at: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/chicken-meat-industry-review
Conference comes to lower Murray
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will hold its fifth annual water conference on July 29 and 30 in Murray Bridge in South Australia.
MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said it was the first time River Reflections would be held in this part of the southern basin, where community interests and water management challenges differed to those further upstream.
“In early July we will release the Basin Plan Evaluation which will tell us what’s working, what’s not and where improvement is needed,” he said.
“It is another vital input to inform the Basin Plan Review, and one of the topics we’ll take time to explore during the conference.”
River Reflections has been held in different parts of the basin annually since 2021, and the MDBA invites participants to contribute through interactive workshops, speakers and a conference dinner.
For more information, go to: https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-and-events/conferences/2025-river-reflections-conference