Jim Moran – Leading Biosecurity Officer Plants Grains Biosecurity

Everyone connected to agriculture plays a critical role in protecting Australia’s cropping systems.
Grain growers, agronomists, transport operators and rural communities are our first line of defence against exotic pests, weeds and diseases and should remain vigilant and report anything unusual.
We urge you to have a good look for anything unusual during your regular ‘drive by’ and in-paddock crop assessments. Check around equipment and structures and even while opening packages delivered by mail especially spare parts from overseas.
If you see something unusual in a crop, in or around storage facilities, on machinery, or even in imported packaging – report it immediately so that it can be identified. Don’t stay silent.
Early detection is critical. Reporting immediately gives our grain industry the best chance to get rid of an exotic pest before it establishes.
Delays can lead to long-term costs through lost markets, increased control measures, reduced crop options and ongoing management impacts.
Exotic plant pests, weeds and diseases can damage our natural environment, destroy food production systems, agriculture industries and impact the way we farm and live.
They often have no natural competitors or established control options which allows them to spread rapidly.
Any exotic pest could disrupt Australia’s export reliant grain industry, costing millions through lost markets, eradication, controls and production losses.
Despite strict border controls and import regulations it is possible for pests to slip through even after quarantine treatments and via other pathways, including people, mail, containers, cargo and natural pathways such as wind and insects.
Victoria’s Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 requires individuals to report anything you think could be an exotic plant pest or disease.
For example, it’s a statutory requirement in the Victorian Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 to “notify if a person knows or has reason to suspect that an exotic pest or disease is present.” Significant penalties apply for failing to do so.
There is no downside to reporting but there can be serious consequences if you don’t.
For a list of high-priority exotic plant pests, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Plant, pests and diseases page: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/plant
To report something suspicious, simply call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or log it online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/report-an-unusual-plant-insect-pest-or-disease.

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) welcomed today’s extension to the NDIS Bill Inquiry while calling on the government to genuinely scrutinise its impacts on disabled children and young people. 

A Senate motion passed this morning deferred the Bill’s final report deadline by eight weeks to 14 August 2026, forcing a slowdown of the government’s widely criticised reform timeline.

CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore said the delay was a testament to the power of disabled people, families, and advocates who refused to let unprecedented changes be rushed through parliament.

“Above all else, what this development shows is that our collective advocacy cannot be ignored,” Ms Kakoschke-Moore said.

“The government must now take the time to properly scrutinise how this law will impact the nearly half a million people with disability under 25 who rely on the NDIS every day.”

The extension coincides with a major policy concession by the government on several key issues raised by CYDA.

This includes its agreement to a strict prohibition on the use of restrictive practices as a legal requirement for NDIS eligibility and for any mandated alternative treatments to be fully funded through the public health system, Medicare or the PBS.

Earlier this month, Ms Kakoschke-Moore spoke about the need to prevent the use of restrictive practice, like forced medication, on children and young people with disability when she appeared at the Senate Inquiry’s public hearing.

Other improvements have also been secured, including stronger protections around support determinations and limits on the Minister’s ability to make sweeping changes to people’s plans.

“Every amendment secured so far represents harm that has been prevented. That matters, but preventing some harm is not the same as creating good policy,” Ms Kakoschke-Moore said.

“The battle is far from over. While we welcome these improvements, there are still many aspects of the Bill that remain deeply concerning.”

CYDA was one of the more than 4000 individuals and organisations that made a submission to the Senate Inquiry despite being given just two weeks to respond.

Its submission highlighted four key areas of concern in the Bill, including:

• The requirement for a person to undertake “all appropriate treatment” without consideration of their location or financial means
• The reliance on parental responsibility and already stretched informal supports as alternatives to properly funded supports
• The reduction in funding for social and community participation
• The centralisation of power with the Disability Minister of the day

Today’s eight-week extension must be used to further address these important issues.

CYDA looks forward to closely examining the Inquiry’s Interim report when it is handed down later today.

 

The state government is boosting native wildlife and creating more parkland along the lower Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek.

Minister Shing joined Member for Footscray Katie Hall at Newell’s Paddock Urban Nature Park to mark the completion of an important wildlife protection and habitat creation project.

The project has enhanced habitat for more than 130 recorded bird species, including the black swan, swift parrot, yellow-tailed black cockatoo, eastern rosella, superb fairywren and little pied cormorant.

Works included the removal of weeds across three hectares and the planting of 6,000 native seedlings.

Over time, the new vegetation will strengthen wildlife corridors and reduce erosion and pollution.

Friends of Cruickshank Park, local schools and other community members planted over 4,000 plants at working bees and community events.

While Friends of Newell’s Paddock and Maribyrnong Valley worked to help clear vegetation and make way for the new fencing.

Urban creeks and rivers are important community assets, they help make our suburbs more liveable.

 

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
With patchy rainfall across the state and the forecast of a drier spring, now is an ideal time to start monitoring dam water levels.

Over recent years stock water has become a scarce commodity across many parts of the state, significantly impacting carrying capacity over drier months.
Taking stock of dam water levels and pasture growth over the next few months will greatly assist farmers in calculating potential carrying capacity.
With the low water levels, it’s an ideal time to set up a permanent water level marker in larger storages.
A simple pole can be made using a length of PVC pipe slipped over a long, heavy duty, galvanised steel post.
Marking the pipe with 10cm wide strips of red paint, with strips spaced 10cm apart, makes monitoring easy.
Making a reading simply involves counting the number of strips from the top of the pole to the water level.
Taking a date stamped photograph is a simple and easy way to record and store your results.
It’s important to remember the rate of water level rise will slow as the dam approaches full supply level. This is the result of larger volumes being required to fill the upper levels of a dam.
In a typical 3m deep farm dam, 60% of its volume is contained in the top one metre.
Knowing the depth and dimensions of water in a dam allows farmers to quickly calculate its volume using our Farm Water Calculator, a simple tool available on our website – Farm water calculator | Tools and calculators | Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria
Dam runoff in Victoria usually commences in late winter and ends in late spring, although thunderstorms can fill a dam at any time of the year. However, relying on runoff after this period is risky.
For more information about drought support available visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Hepburn Shire Council is hosting free school holiday activities that are creative, hands-on and packed with fun. Sign your child up to a free session to discover the magic of animation and model-making at Hepburn Libraries these school holidays.

Two exciting workshops held at Daylesford and Creswick are designed to spark imagination and creativity in June, with the chance for children aged between five and 12 years to step behind the camera and into the world of movie-making.

Toonworld is an engaging stop motion animation workshop, and participants will discover how animated films are created, learn the basics of stop motion techniques, and bring their own stories to life frame-by-frame. It’s a unique chance for young creators to explore technology, storytelling and filmmaking in a fun and supportive environment.

For children who love building and creating, Creaturetoons offers a fun hands-on experience. In this exciting model-making workshop, participants can design and create their very own dinosaur or mythical creature. From fierce dragons to friendly dinosaurs and everything in between, children are encouraged to let their creativity run wild as they build and personalise their creations.

Hepburn Shire Council’s school holidays program also extends to other hands-on activities in its four libraries, with wind-up toys and terracotta pot decoration sessions on offer for school aged children.

All workshops are free and are a fantastic opportunity for children to learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy a creative school holiday experience away from screens.

Please book early to avoid missing out. Email library@hepburn.vic.gov.au or phone your closest library – Clunes (5345 3359), Creswick (5345 2145), Daylesford (5348 2800) or Trentham (5424 1326).

The Warehouse – Clunes

Thursday 2 July 11:30 am – Decorate a mini terracotta pot

Creswick Hub

Monday 29 June 2–3:30 pm – Toonworld animation workshop

Friday 3 July 10:30 am – Wind-up toys

Thursday 9 July 10:30am – Decorate a mini terracotta pot

Daylesford Library

Tuesday 30 June 1:30–3 pm – Toonworld animation workshop

Friday 3 July 10:30 am – Wind-up toys

Tuesday 7 July 10:30am – Decorate a mini terracotta pot

The Mechanics Trentham

Wednesday 1 July 11:30 am – Decorate a mini terracotta pot

An additional $400,000 is now available through the Look Over the Farm Gate program to support farmers in drought and bushfire recovery.

Delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, the program funds community-led events with grants of up to $5,000 each, bringing people together to support farmers and their families.

Director Climate, Resilience and Communities, Amanda Pagan, said more than 40,000 people have attended over 320 local events since June 2025.

‘From community barbecues and farm visits to movie screenings and steak nights, these events are helping reduce isolation and strengthen connections when they are needed most.

‘Communities across the state have made great things happen through this program, showing the power of what can be achieved when people work together to support each other.

‘Through Look Over the Farm Gate, we’ve seen communities step up – bringing people together, checking in and offering practical support and connection.

‘Across regional Victoria, hundreds of community members, including volunteers, have organised these events, prepared meals, checked in on each other and created welcoming spaces where people can come together and take some time away from the farm.

‘These efforts across the state are helping to support mental health, strengthen communities and ensure no one feels alone during tough seasons’, said Ms Pagan.

The Look Over the Farm Gate program is part of the Victorian Government’s $146.5 million Drought Support Package.

Applications are open until the Program budget is fully expended, or 30 June 2026, whichever comes first. Events must be held by 30 September 2026.

Find out more and apply via the National Centre for Farmer Heath website.

Visit the Drought support or Bushfire support pages for more information, or call  136 186.

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

Worms and scours can be a significant problem in weaners and lambing ewes with the limited feed and cold stress of winter.

Winter conditions provide ideal conditions for the survival of worm larvae on pastures, and feed may also be short. Sheep that are nutritionally stressed and in light condition grazing short pastures are likely to be affected by worms and scouring.

Worms should be considered in all ill-thrifty or scouring sheep, regardless of when the sheep were last drenched.

To help establish whether worms are the cause, you should consider the following:

• the sheep’s nutrition, including the feed availability, supplemental feeding, and stocking rate
• the sheep’s class and condition, including their body condition score
• the drench program, including the product/s used and date/s drenched, particularly the time since the last treatment.

To know for sure, faecal samples from at least 5 affected and 5 non-affected sheep should be submitted for worm egg counts.

To help manage worms in sheep during winter:

• provide adequate feed for weaners and lambing ewes on low worm pastures such as those prepared by smart grazing over summer, those previously grazed by cattle, or those used for cropping
• weanersand lambing ewesneed to be in a condition score of around 2.5. If lighter, they will need preferential treatment and feeding
• check worm egg counts by Wormtest (samples from 10 representative sheep) every 4 to 6 weeks through winter
• confirm that the drench worked by Wormtest at the time of drenching and 10 to 14 days later.
• check worm egg counts in lambing ewes about 4 weeks before lambing.

For further information, contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Animal Health Officer or use WormBoss.

Visit the Drought support page or call 136 186 for information about available support.

The state government is making public transport easier to use, with tap and go expanding to trams.

From today, passengers will be able to pay for their journey on every tram using a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch.

Passengers will also be able to use the same card or device whether they’re catching a train, jumping on a tram or switching between the two.

The expansion follows the rollout of tap and go payments across every myki-enabled train station in Victoria.

More than 700,000 tap and go trips have been taken since the start of June, with four in five of those made using a phone or smartwatch.

With trains and trams now switched on, buses are next, with tap and go rolling out to myki-enabled bus routes from next month.

At the same time, Victorians are benefiting from half-price fares until the end of the year, saving regular commuters hundreds of dollars.

Concession passengers, seniors and those under 18 should continue using their concession or youth myki.

Passengers travelling where myki is not yet available should continue using a paper ticket or eTicket.

Passengers who prefer to use their myki can continue to do so.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said: “From today, you can step off a train and straight onto a tram using the same phone, watch or bank card.

“Four in five tap and go trips are already being made with a phone or smartwatch – showing more Victorians are leaving the wallet at home.”

 

Every child, no matter their postcode, deserves a world-class public education close to home. 

And the state government is delivering 121 new schools and more than 2400 school upgrades.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said over $14 million from the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) will fund upgrades at 50 schools.

The PMP upgrades include school improvements like upgrading emergency shelters, replacing windows, drainage works and ceiling replacements.

In the Goulburn Valley, almost $1.2 million is being invested in Mooroopna North Primary School for works on its Shelter-in-Place building, as well as roof works and switchboard works.

More than $ 360,000 will fund vital upgrades at Oak Park Primary School including drainage, roofing and repainting works.

The PMP has now funded nearly $50 million in upkeep projects for 103 schools across Victoria this year alone.

“These projects are about supporting growing communities and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment,” Mr Carroll said.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called for a three-month extension of the fuel excise relief and pause on heavy vehicle road user charges, that lapse on 30 June, which risk triggering another round of housing materials cost increases.

 

“Home builders are still absorbing the last wave of material price hikes into fixed-price contracts. They simply don’t have the capacity to take another hit,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.

 

“Fuel excise relief has been critical in containing costs across the construction supply chain. Removing it now, while diesel prices remain elevated, will push costs higher again.”

 

HIA said the scheduled end of the relief would lift diesel costs by over 10 per cent, flowing directly into construction through transport, logistics and on-site activity.

 

“Fuel is a core input – from earthmoving equipment and freight to tradies moving between jobs. When fuel costs rise, everything rises,” Ms Martin said.

 

“Changes in fuel costs flow through to many parts of the home building process and contribute to the overall cost of delivering new housing.”

 

The warning comes as the industry faces a convergence of new pressures, including a 4.75 per cent lift in award wages, budget-driven housing tax changes, and more complex superannuation obligations from 1 July.

 

HIA said that policymakers should consider the effect of rising transport and logistics costs on housing delivery, particularly at a time when Australia is seeking to increase the volume of new homes being built.

 

“At a time when Australia needs 1.2 million new homes, the policy settings are moving in the wrong direction,” Ms Martin said.

 

“Treasury’s own modelling points to 35,000 fewer homes being built over the next decade directly due to the federal budget decisions.

 

“Government cannot afford to pile further costs onto an industry already under severe strain.”

 

While acknowledging longer-term infrastructure commitments in the federal budget, HIA said these would not ease immediate cost pressures or increase short to medium term supply.

 

“The industry needs relief now, not in a decade,” she said.

Crime has dropped across Victoria thanks to tough laws.

In the year to March 2026, Victoria’s criminal incident rate fell by nearly three per cent, and the youth offending rate fell by six per cent.

The drop in alleged youth offending is the biggest since before the Covid pandemic.

There’s still a big job ahead to drive down overall crime, but our laws reflect what Victorians expect, and they are reducing crime in our communities.

The data shows:

• Aggravated burglary down 22 per cent
• Aggravated and non-aggravated robbery down 15 per cent
• Crime committed by young men continuing to decline with a drop of nearly nine per cent
• Theft from a motor vehicle down four per cent
• Sexual offences and family violence incidents continuing to decline
• The victimisation rate, overall recorded offences and criminal incidents all decreasing

More adults are also being held to account for breaching their bail conditions following our tougher changes:

• For the first time since records started, bail revocations and refusals in the Magistrates Court now make up a greater share of bail decisions – meaning more people are being jailed and not bailed
• Bail revocations are up nearly 50 per cent and bail refusals are up by more than 63 per cent

Despite these continuing positive signs, crime is still unacceptably high and there’s more work to do.

• That’s why we brought in Adult Time for Violent Crime, increasing the likelihood of jail
• That’s why we started the Violence Reduction Unit to intervene early and stop crime before it starts
• That’s why we back the Chief Commissioner’s plan to get more police on the streets
• That’s why we’re keeping Victorians safe at work with PSOs in shopping centres and tougher ram-raid laws

The Crime Statistics Agency data release covers the period of April 1 2025 to March 31 2026

Private livestock veterinarians across Victoria have benefited from recent animal disease investigation (ADI) courses led by Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jeff Cave said the courses were delivered in Ellinbank, Elmore, Rutherglen and Hamilton by Agriculture Victoria’s district veterinary officers and a pathologist from AgriBio, to classes of 12 veterinarians, generally local to each region.

‘The 2-day intensive courses focused on upskilling Victoria’s livestock vets to conduct disease investigations and especially how to respond to exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease,’ Dr Cave said.

‘A strong, well-trained veterinary network is one of our best lines of defence in protecting Victoria’s livestock industries.’

Dr Cave said the courses have a practical theme, with vets gaining hands-on experience in new techniques and procedures, as well as a refresher on their existing skills and knowledge.

Agriculture Victoria has been running ADI courses for more than 10 years, training upwards of 50 private vets a year, strengthening the skills of Victoria’s veterinary profession and overall biosecurity preparedness for emergency animal diseases.

The courses are supported by the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, funded through duties generated from the sale of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in Victoria.

Learn more about this program at Livestock Biosecurity Funds – Grant Program

The Victorian Government’s commitment to strong biosecurity helps protect communities, food supply and everyday life for Victorians.

 

Agriculture Victoria has released a new edition of Making cent$ of carbon and emissions on-farm, a practical booklet to help producers manage emissions while improving farm efficiency.

Agriculture Victoria farm emissions specialist Alison Kelly said the update focuses on fuel and energy efficiency, as well as providing practical carbon and emissions information that farmers can consider for their farm.

‘Built on the experiences and results of farmers in Agriculture Victoria’s On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot, the updated booklet shares what’s working in real farming systems and how others can follow suit,’ Mrs Kelly said.

‘The new booklet sets out practical ways farmers can reduce fuel use, improve machinery efficiency and how renewables can generate energy bill savings.

‘It also highlights nitrogen fertiliser efficiency, helping producers get more from every kilogram of fertiliser applied, reducing losses and lowering input costs.

‘This is really timely for farmers, given the challenges they are managing from drought, fuel and fertiliser uncertainty, and rising costs of production.

‘Livestock performance, storage of carbon in trees and healthy soils are discussed, as well as information on preparing for future market expectations,’ she said.

Other new sections in the 2026 edition include:

• Understanding emissions footprints and intensity
• Better data collection and record keeping
• Managing effluent and manure
• Scope 3 and embedded emissions
• On-farm action planning – bringing it all together

Producers can download the latest edition of the Making cent$ of carbon and emissions on-farm from the Agriculture Victoria website at Making cent$ of carbon and emissions on-farm.

Order a printed copy by contacting 136 186.

Learn more about the On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot.

Climate‑smart farming helps communities remain productive, resilient and future‑ready.

Victoria’s veterans have given so much to our country.

Minister Suleyman opened applications for two veterans’ grants programs today.

Anzac Day Proceeds Fund

Grants of up to $150,000 are available to organisations delivering welfare or wellbeing support across Victoria.

It also offers grants of up to $50,000 to organisations that deliver services in a specific region.

Organisations can use funding to expand services, strengthen support networks and build long-term capacity.

Last year this program supported Melbourne Legacy’s Youth Wellbeing Support Camp Program.

The program is dedicated to improving the mental health, resilience, and social connectedness of children from veteran families across Victoria.

Victoria Remembers

Grants of up to $30,000 are open for projects that commemorate veterans’ service or educate the public about their contributions.

This includes the development of new war memorials, commemorative events or public education initiatives.

Last year the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum expanded their Veteran Public Arts Trail.

This is a path through central Melbourne that celebrates public artworks, buildings and historical sites linked to veterans.

Applications for both grant programs close at 5.00pm on 28 July 2026.

For more information visit vic.gov.au/anzac-day-proceeds-fund or vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grant-program.

Victorians are being urged to remain alert after the H5 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) was detected in a migratory seabird in Western Australia.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is monitoring the situation closely in Western Australia and enhanced preparedness planning is in place for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu in Victoria.
This is the first time this strain of bird flu has been detected in Australia. It is a highly contagious strain that can cause serious disease in birds and is a significant development, but there are currently no detections in Victoria. Authorities are reminding all Victorians to stay aware and report anything unusual.
There have been no detections in poultry and there is no evidence of mortalities in other species at this time.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the detection in the southern coast of Western Australia reinforced the importance of simple actions that help detect disease early.
“There have been no detections in Victoria, but this event in Western Australia is a timely reminder that the risk exists and vigilance is essential.”
“If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it. Avoid contact, record the details and report it so it can be investigated.
“Please report clusters of five or more sick or dead birds anywhere in Victoria to Agriculture Victoria.”
“We also want to hear about even a single case involving higher-risk species including pelicans, birds of prey such as hawks, owls and eagles, black swans, or marine animals like seals, sea lions and dolphins,” Dr Cooke said.
Victoria’s Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said agencies across Australia had been preparing for a potential detection given the seasonal arrival of migratory birds and their association with the global spread of avian influenza.
“Based on overseas experience, this disease can spread through bird populations and potentially other wildlife once it is established, which is why early detection and strong preparedness are so important,” Mr Todd said.
“We’ve seen internationally that H5 bird flu can have significant impacts on wildlife, particularly bird populations, and can also affect some mammal species.
“This detection highlights the importance of taking a precautionary approach and working closely with partners across the country to monitor and prepare,” said Mr Todd.
The Victorian Government is working closely with industry, wildlife experts and land managers to maintain preparedness arrangements, incorporating lessons learned from recent unrelated avian influenza outbreaks in Victoria. This includes monitoring for early signs of the virus in wildlife and poultry and developing mitigation strategies to help protect high-risk species.
Victorians should not touch, move or collect sick or dead birds or wildlife, as this can increase the risk of disease spread. If safe to do so, people should record what they see, including the number and type of animals, the location, date and time, and take photos or video where possible.
This information should then be reported to Agriculture Victoria via the website or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Reports are critical, particularly where there are multiple dead birds, or cases involving higher risk species such as birds of prey, waterbirds or marine mammals.
Following a report, DEECA will assess whether further investigation or testing is required. Early reporting supports rapid response and helps protect Victoria’s wildlife and poultry industries.
Poultry farmers and veterinarians should report any suspect disease by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Owners of pet birds or backyard chickens are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline if animals show signs of illness.
Bird owners are reminded that strong biosecurity practices remain essential, including keeping enclosures and equipment clean, quarantining new birds and minimising contact between domestic birds and wild birds.
Further information about avian influenza, reporting suspected cases, and biosecurity for bird owners including guidance on responding to sick or dead wildlife go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu