The Wombat Forest community recently joined with Extinction Rebellion to draw attention to what it says is environmentally damaging salvage logging in Wombat State Forest.
An Extinction Rebellion spokesperson said theatrics took place on the roadside of the Forest Fire Management Victoria log-storage site near Daylesford where large volumes of logs are stored from nearby industrial scale salvaging.
“Dressed in black mourning attire, the gathering grieved the recent forest destruction by FFMV salvage-logging works. Red Rebels silently communicated distress. After short eulogies, Red Rebels and some mourners visited the nearby forest coupe where many larger trees once stood tall.
“Red Rebels performed again in silent contrast to the broadscale logging destruction. A vast field of upturned tree stumps, logging slash, recently churned mud and discarded logs was surrounded by tall native forest and creek lines. Mourners noted how the vast log clearing punctured the forest canopy horizon; a new landscape scar that can be seen from satellites.
“In June 2021, a large storm impacted significant patches of Wombat State Forest bringing down swathes of forest. Roads and tracks were quickly cleared of fallen trees. From 2022 until its 2024 demise, VicForests intensively logged the nearby ‘storm-recovery’ areas. Vast volumes of timber were removed locally.
“FFMV commenced ‘debris-management’ works in late 2023. The organisation repeatedly emphasised to local communities that its works were distinct from VicForests with no heavy machinery used, taking only fallen logs and isolated hazardous trees, all works were ‘non-commercial’ and low impact.”
Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne said it was clear the salvage works were causing serious environmental harm.
“Soils are being compacted, young plants destroyed, and future habitat for many species is being lost – all the while failing to mitigate fire risk.
“We have had three years of unrelenting industrial scale salvage of storm-thrown trees from the forest. At one stage there were 14, 35-tonne machines removing large logs and compacting the soil. The log depot contains just a very, very small percentage of logs that have been removed from the Wombat Forest.
“There are many reasons these logs should remain in the forest, they are a critical part of the ecosystem – providing habitat for small reptiles and mammals, food for fungi, and moisture retention that helps keep the forest floor damp.”
In the last edition of The Local (Edition 335) a state government spokesperson said: “The government announced in 2021 that it would create three national parks, two conservation parks, and seven new and expanded regional parks in the state’s central west – this includes the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park covering more than 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh.
“Legislation to create three new national parks will be introduced into parliament as soon as practical. The great outdoors are to be experienced and admired, not locked away. Our focus is bringing more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while making sure to keep our forests healthy for future generations.
“No timber harvesting is taking place in the Wombat State Forest, no trees are being removed unless they present a hazard and no clear-felling is occurring in these operations.” Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Matt Hrkac

Hepburn Community Wind Park Co-operative has been funded through the Community Electrification Engagement Program to run a localised energy literacy program, educating households on the benefits of replacing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the co-operative would use the funding to accelerate the take-up of cheaper electric energy through tailored projects that met the unique needs of the community. Working with community and climate groups across 11 local government areas, Hepburn Community Wind Park Co-operative will up-skill and train home-energy champions to share learnings within the community.

Building work at a new Early Learning Centre in Clunes is now underway – with Ripon MP Martha Haylett recently turning the first sod.
The centre, next to Clunes Primary School, will have outdoor play areas, a maternal and child health consulting room, and a carpark. It will also have a community room for meetings and playgroup.
The centre will provide long day care and three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs with space for up to 102 children each day.
Construction is on time with completion expected later this year ready for opening early next year.
Positioning kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the government was delivering “unprecedented investment in early childhood services” so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.
“We’re proud to be funding early childhood infrastructure because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.”

From left, Department of Education’s Anne Gawith, Centre director Ben Sweeney, Ripon MP Martha Haylett and Clunes Primary School principal Sonia Jardine

The Creswick Pavilion Arts Trail 2025 kicks off this weekend.
The trail is a curated weekend event, beginning with an opening night for artists to gather as a creative cohort.
The trail is held over July 13 and 14 and details of the open studios and commercial partners can be obtained from the Town Hall during the event.
It provides a platform for artists to open their studios or exhibit and run workshops in the Creswick Town Hall, which will serve as an Art Café for those without personal studio access.
Visitors can explore the trail independently using a provided map or guide, or take advantage of the Art Bus for convenient transport to participating locations.
The event is supported by Hepburn Shire Council’s Community Grants program.
Pavilion Arts & Sustainability was established after the first floods happened in Creswick. Its aim was to help treat trauma experienced during the floods by providing art-focused events.

The Mechanics Trentham was filled with more than 150 people late last month to celebrate the launch of the new history book, Trentham: an incomplete history.
Written by Ina Bertrand and Alice Petherbridge with the design and artwork completed by Janine Bryant, the book has a thematic approach to the region’s history with the prelude including the Indigenous history and early European settlement of the area.
Some of the other chapters in the book include The Forest, Gold, Churches and Schools, Villages and of course The Trentham Township.
In a display of literary popularity the first print run is sold out, giving people an insight into the love of history in the Trentham area and how much the people of Trentham and its district appreciate such a rare achievement in the town.
Ballarat MP Catherine King formally launched the book after presentations by historian Vicki Steggall on writing history, Gary Enders on the process of researching and a sharing memories segment with Elizabeth Toomey as the moderator and long-time local residents Kit Manning, Kath Morrison and Lawrence O’Brien giving insights into the past. Ina then spoke about the almost four-year process of producing and collaborating on the history book. She said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience from its beginnings through to seeing her work in print.
The event was followed by an afternoon tea from the Trentham and District Historical Society Committee and a few locals.
More copies of the book are being printed to keep up with demand.
To order a copy email info@trenthamhistoricalsociety.org.au The book will also be available from www.trenthamhistoricalsociety.org.au/shop
Words: Natalie Poole

The state government is focused on what matters most – helping families drive down their energy bills with cheap, clean renewable energy.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio have opened Round 3 of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, backed by $6.6 million to install more neighbourhood-scale batteries across Victoria.

Neighbourhood batteries return power into the hands of local communities – giving them a secure energy supply by soaking up cheap and clean renewable energy when it is plentiful and dispatching it when it is needed most.

The program is already delivering 90 neighbourhood batteries across the state, helping more Victorian families and community organisations to lower their bills. The program has also funded back-up systems at publicly accessible buildings to support communities through power outages.

The third round of the program will bring the total number of batteries to over 100, with up to $400,000 in grant funding available per battery, and participating organisations able to apply for multiple batteries as part of a project.

Not-for-profit organisations, local government authorities, co-operatives, educational institutions, public entities, private sector businesses and agencies across Victoria are invited to apply.

As part of previous rounds, Housing Choices Australia received six neighbourhood batteries across six different housing sites, helping them lower energy bills and lower rents for their tenants.

The batteries are expected to slash tenants’ electricity bills by $200 a year and reduce the amount of electricity needed during peak demand, easing pressure on the local electricity grid. The batteries can also provide up to five hours of back-up power for essential services such as elevators, lights and emergency systems in each building.

Applications open from Tuesday 15 July. For more information visit energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants

Agriculture Victoria’s online farm water calculator has been a reliable tool for land managers to keep an eye on their farm water supplies.
It has now been upgraded and offers an even more user-friendly and accessible experience.
This valuable tool helps farmers estimate:
• water requirements across the farm
• storage capacity in tanks and dams
• water supply potential from sources like shed roofs, waterways, groundwater and catchment runoff.
Agriculture Victoria Climate Change Development Officer Heather Field said by adjusting rainfall inputs, users can explore how their water supply might perform under different climate scenarios, helping them plan for dry seasons or unexpected shortages.
‘The calculator now works seamlessly on mobile phones and tablets, making it easier to perform in-field assessments.
‘It complements the existing Summer Water Calculator, which focuses on livestock water needs and dam longevity during hotter months.
‘For the most accurate results, farmers are encouraged to use the calculator alongside regular monitoring of water use, storage and supply.’ Ms Field said.
Try the upgraded tool today: https://go.vic.gov.au/44llzBj
Across the state any farmer can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions.
These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical experts, including farm business advisors, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians.
The technical decision-making, support program provides tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and online tools and information.
Find more information on drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

An extra 100 Code 1 cases each day since April has prompted an urgent call to action from Ambulance Victoria (AV) for help to save paramedics and ambulances for the sickest patients.

Driven largely by respiratory illness, the increase in demand for life-saving paramedic care has put significant strain on the system with this weekend predicted to be very challenging.

AV Chief Executive Officer Jordan Emery pleaded with Victorians to consider alternative healthcare options for less-urgent medical concerns.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring paramedics are available to respond to the sickest people in our communities,” said Jordan.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in Code 1 cases, on average 100 more each day compared to just a few months ago.

“This increase in life-threatening cases means we need to respond lights and sirens to administer life-saving medical care – and we can’t do that if ambulances are being called to less-urgent or avoidable situations.”

AV Acting Director Regional and Clinical Operations Jessica McGowan urged Victorians to ensure they’re protected against season illness.

“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect against seasonal illness and if you’re feeling unwell or you have flu-like symptoms, stay home to help stop the spread and protect those most at risk,” said Jessica.

“Paramedics do not replace GP care. It is vital that if you are feeling unwell that you seek medical advice as soon as possible, before your illness escalates. That advice could be from a local GP or pharmacist, or the online Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is also a great option and it’s free.

“Calling an ambulance when you don’t need one could delay help for someone whose life depends on it.”

“The message is simple,” said Jordan, “save paramedics for emergencies.”

There are many ways to get health advice and care outside of Triple Zero (000), including:

• Victorian Virtual Emergency Department: 24/7 free online access to emergency doctors and nurses via www.vved.org.au
• Urgent Care Clinics: GP-led care for urgent but non-emergency issues: Better Health Channel  
• NURSE-ON-CALL: Free advice from a registered nurse 24/7: 1300 606 024
• A local GP or pharmacist.

If you or someone you’re with is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Farmers from livestock and grain businesses are encouraged to attend 2-day adaptive farming workshops in western and northern Victoria this winter.
Consultant Dr Kate Burke will present the ‘In good times and bad: adaptive skills for your farming future’ workshops funded through the Farm Business Resilience (FBR) program.
Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Grains South West Felicity Pritchard said Dr Burke’s evidence-based approach will help participants to develop a plan for their farm’s success.
‘Dr Burke brings a wealth of experience in broadacre and mixed farming, crop agronomy, and farm business management,’ Ms Pritchard said.
‘Farmers can learn valuable strategies to manage their businesses, particularly in the current challenging conditions and into the future.
‘Past participants have given excellent reviews and appreciated the time away from the farm to focus on the bigger picture.’
At the workshops Kate will cover a range of topics such as:
• managing climate variability and farm financial performance
• identifying opportunities for growth and mitigate risk
• reviewing key profit drivers and benchmarks
• analysing income versus cost of production
• evaluating your appetite for risk and production potential
• scenario planning for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Running from 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm, the workshops will take place on:
• 22-23 July, 940 Dookie – Nalinga Road, Dookie College, University of Melbourne, Dookie
• 14-15 August, Agriculture Victoria offices, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen
• 18-19 August, Wonwondah Hall, Wonwondah Hall Road, Wonwondah
• 21-22 August, Dunkeld Bowling Club, 77 Parker Street, Dunkeld.
These workshops are free and include morning tea and lunch, but numbers are limited so registration is essential. For more information, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events

The state government is helping Victorian renters and landlords across Macedon resolve simple disputes – fast, fair and free.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos have announced Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is now live.
RDRV will help renters and rental providers settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs and rent increases in a more informal setting, freeing up VCAT to deal with other cases.
The free service – announced as part of the Government’s nation-leading housing and renting fairness reforms – will give renters a fairer go without the barrier of expensive legal fees or an intimidating VCAT hearing.
Anyone involved in a residential tenancy dispute can access the free service by calling 1300 01 7378, jumping online, or attending RDRV in person.
At RDRV, highly skilled resolution experts will work to bring parties together and resolve rental disputes quickly and avoid a formal hearing. They will oversee each case from start to finish.
A new team of around 40 resolution coordinators have been recruited and trained to handle cases, and an additional 10 staff will soon join as intake officers to support the RDRV call centre.
RDRV will be headquartered on King Street in the CBD with four community locations at Oakleigh, Bundoora, Frankston and Bendigo. It’s also a digital-friendly service that can be easily accessed and used online.
More than 60 per cent of disputes are expected to be able to be resolved through RDRV. It’s all about guiding parties to the fastest and best result, reducing time, stress and cost, and reducing the need for lawyers.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will still be accessible to people seeking information to better understand their rights.
RDRV is the first of its kind in Australia. Victoria is leading the nation on renters’ rights with more than 100 reforms already implemented and more to come including portable bonds, tougher penalties for dodgy landlords and more powers to stop excessive rent increases.

The state government’s renting taskforce has returned to Melbourne’s south-east to ensure landlords are complying with their legal requirements and that properties are up to scratch.

Acting Minister for Consumer Affairs, Melissa Horne, said the taskforce carried out 25 inspections in Clayton to ensure that rental homes are safe and compliant, and renters are aware of their rights.

Since 2024, the taskforce has issued more than 80 fines totaling more than $670,000. Offences include failing to advertise a rental property at a fixed price, not lodging a bond with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority, and breaching minimum standards.

Clayton was the first suburb the taskforce visited when inspections began last year, and officers revisited the area to attend inspections and ensure that rental properties met minimum standards and were advertised fairly.

Consumer Affairs Victoria uses a range of early interventions to protect Victorian renters, including proactive inspections, education, and public awareness campaigns to prevent breaches from occurring in the first place.

If the taskforce identifies a property that does not meet minimum standards, officers will first work with property managers and rental providers to ensure repairs are made before a renter moves in.

It is a criminal offence to let a renter move into a property that doesn’t meet minimum standards, with maximum penalties over $11,000 for individuals, while companies face up to $59,000.

The latest crackdown comes after the taskforce launched criminal prosecutions of five Victorian real estate agencies who allegedly failed to advertise properties at a fixed price. The agencies are due to face court this month.

This comes on the back of the recent launch of Residential Dispute Resolution Victoria, which will help renters and rental providers settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs and rent increases in a more informal setting, freeing up VCAT to deal with other cases.

The free service – announced as part of the Government’s nation-leading housing and renting fairness reforms – will give renters a fairer go without the barrier of expensive legal fees or an intimidating VCAT hearing.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has a dedicated online form for Victorian renters and industry to raise their concerns.  For more information about rental minimum standards or to lodge a concern, visit consumer.vic.gov.au/renting.

The payroll tax-free threshold has lifted from $900,000 to $1 million – meaning even more small businesses will pay no payroll tax.

It follows the lifting of the threshold from $700,000 at the start of the financial year. The change will mean about 6,000 businesses no longer paying any payroll tax and a further 22,500 businesses paying a reduced amount – saving up to $14,550 per year.

Victoria’s economy is strong and our world-leading capabilities, established industries, skilled workforce and outstanding liveability make the state one of the best places to live, work and invest.

Business investment in Victoria remains robust, growing by 1.6 per cent in the four quarters to March 2025, compared to 1.2 per cent nationally.

More than 113,000 businesses have been added since June 2020, the largest percentage growth of any state.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is urging Victorian drivers and passengers to use life-saving common sense, with new research revealing a growing number of people don’t always wear a seatbelt.

The TAC has announced findings from its Road Safety Monitor report, which found 4.7 per cent of people admitted to traveling unrestrained as a passenger in the past 12 months – a proportion that has more than doubled since 2020 (2.2 per cent).

More than 2500 people were surveyed for the report, which also found 3 per cent of respondents had driven while not wearing a seatbelt – a slight increase on the previous year (2.7 per cent).

Respondents aged 18-25 were most likely to travel as a passenger (10.5 per cent) and drive (6.4 per cent) not wearing a seatbelt – both proportions increased on last year’s survey (7.7 per cent and 3.5 per cent).

Regional Victorian motorists were more likely than those in the city to drive while not wearing a seatbelt (7.2 per cent vs 2.5 cent), as well as travel as a passenger unrestrained (8 per cent vs 4.9 per cent).

The findings come as the number of people killed on Victorian roads remains tragically high – with 148 lives lost, compared with 136 at the same time in 2024. Of the 81 drivers and passengers killed on that state’s roads this year, around one-in-five were not wearing a seatbelt (where seatbelt status was known).

“It has been a devastating year on our roads, and we are calling on all Victorians to stop and think about what they can do to keep themselves and the rest of our community safe,” TAC CEO, Tracey Slatter, said.

“Seatbelts in vehicles have been mandatory in Victoria for 55 years and wearing one is the simplest form of protection we have that can be the difference between life and death,” she said.

Ms Slatter said that while the research showed most people buckled up all the time, it was a concern that the minority was growing.

“It’s hard to fathom that more people are risking their safety by not taking the most basic of actions in putting on a seatbelt for every trip,” she said.

“We are seeing far too many lives lost and people seriously injured on the roads, and an inexplicable number of those are not wearing a seatbelt – there is no excuse not to wear one every time we get in a car.”

The TAC is investing $350 million into the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 Action Plan 2, which will include a significant expansion of the state’s mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera program, to reduce road trauma and deter risk-taking behaviour on the roads.

Since the cameras were introduced in 2023, around half of the more than 130,000 infringements detected have been seatbelt non-compliance – heavy penalties apply to those caught by the cameras

The TAC continues to highlight the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts via campaigns – with an enforcement-style seatbelts campaign set to roll out next financial year. Via its How Safe is Your Car website, the TAC also urges prospective car buyers to consider vehicles with safety features like seatbelt alert systems.

Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) crews have responded to more than 100,000 cases, helping save other ambulances for the most serious emergencies.

MATS began in September 2021 and is dedicated for less-urgent calls, freeing up more ambulances to respond to the most critically ill patients. MATS crews also attend more serious calls when needed to support emergency ambulance resourcing.

“Our MATS crews are making a big difference in helping emergency ambulances be available for the sickest or most injured patients by bridging the gap for those who require an ambulance, but it’s not life-threatening,” AV Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said.

“Our MATs crews on average attend more than 80 cases every day – with some of the cases including patients with chronic conditions, falls, or inter-hospital patient transfers.

“As of 22 June 2025, MATS crews have attended at total of 105,063 cases, including 77,482 cases in metropolitan Melbourne and 27,581 cases in the regions.

“That is a lot of time saved for other paramedic crews to respond to the most critical cases.”

In metropolitan Melbourne, MATS crews are based out of ambulance branches in Laverton North, Campbellfield, Bayswater, Mornington, Heatherton, Chelsea and Clyde North.

In regional Victoria, MATS crews are based at Belmont, Wendouree, Eaglehawk, Shepparton, Traralgon and Wonthaggi.

One of the 100,000 patients to benefit from MATS to date was 20-year-old Hugo Canny-Smith, who required an ambulance following a seizure related to his epilepsy earlier this year.

“I remember the paramedics helping me up and putting the monitors on me. They were very patient,” Hugo said.

“I didn’t need to be taken to hospital, but it was good to have people do the essentials, like help me get up and check my heart rate.”

Hugo’s mother Krys said her son has required an ambulance a few times for seizures.

“When the paramedics arrive, I immediately feel more relaxed, having someone there who knows what they’re doing,” she said.

“But sometimes I worry we’re taking them away from life-threatening emergencies, so it’s nice to have learned about MATS and to know that these paramedics are there to help us.”

Across Victoria, MATS crews are made up of a graduate paramedic and a qualified paramedic, providing the very best response to Code 2 and 3 patients.

Danielle said the partnering of paramedic recruits with experienced paramedics on-board MATS vehicles helps develop the next generation of paramedics.

“This gives an opportunity for our senior paramedics to impart invaluable knowledge gained through their years of experience to their new colleagues,” she said.

“At the same time, it provides an enriching on-the-job educational experience and additional pathway for new paramedics.”

AV’s MATS crews attended their 100,000^th case on 25 April 2025.

The state government is making sure every Victorian student – no matter where they live – has access to a world-class learning environment with more upgrades to schools across the state.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll has announced 32 schools would share over $10 million in funding from the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) to carry out high-priority maintenance works on classrooms and facilities.

The funding enables schools to undertake essential works such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, maintaining ramps, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external projects like improving pathways. 

Thornbury High School was allocated over $1.2 million for door replacement, repainting works, revarnishing works, roof works, structural works, switchboard works and windows replacement.

St Arnaud Primary School was allocated over $376,000 for door replacement, drainage works, repainting works, revarnishing works, roof works, switchboard works and window replacement.

Works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools.  

Including this latest round of funding, the PMP has funded $75.7 million for 245 projects at 235 schools in 2025.

The Government has now invested $18.5 billion over the past 11 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,300 school upgrades − supporting more than 30,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.

Nineteen new schools will open in 2026. This will achieve the government’s 2018 commitment to open 100 new schools in eight years.

For a list of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program.