A Barwon farmer recently pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court and was fined $10,000 with conviction. A disqualification order to own or person in charge of livestock was also imposed for 7 years.

The farmer, Mr Torrick Ouaida, was the person in charge of approximately 200 sheep in Lara between July 2022 and August 2022.

The 200 sheep were contained to an area of approximately 2 hectares with no pasture and only poor-quality straw available to eat.

While attending the property officers observed a number of recently deceased sheep that had died within the past 48 hours, were in emaciated body condition and had various levels of predatory markings. Three of the sheep had died during or very shortly after lambing.

Mr Ouaida failed to provide proper and sufficient feed, and failed to provide veterinary treatment to the sheep, most of which were pregnant or lactating ewes.

Following a sentencing indication, Mr Ouaida pleaded guilty to 2 counts of animal cruelty and 2 of aggravated cruelty resulting in the death of 20 sheep and the serious disablement of a further 14 sheep.

His Honour took into account Mr Ouaida’s lack of priors, plea of guilty and his personal circumstances at the time of offending and remarked this is a matter that often carries very large fines.

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the weight of the 7 year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.

“It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.

“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.”

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging local councils to put forward new ideas for dog parks or existing dog parks that need an upgrade as part of Round 2 of the  New and Upgraded Dog Parks program.  

This comes as the state government highlights its earmarking of $5 million to build 16 new or upgraded dog parks across the state, providing Victorians and their furry friends more green open spaces to  enjoy close to home.  

Applications for grant funding of up to $100,000 or up to $300,000 are available to all 79  local Victorian councils for projects that enable people to socialise and exercise their dogs  off-leash in areas of greatest need.

This investment in more green spaces close to home also  supports the health and wellbeing of dog owners.  

Funding will primarily be for purpose-built facilities for dogs and their owners to enjoy –  such as new dog parks, upgrades and additions to existing off-leash areas that can include  designated ball play areas, sand digging pits, agility equipment, drinking fountains, fencing,  shelters, bins, landscaping, and lighting.  

This funding builds on the $7.6 million allocated in Round 1 of the grant program, which is delivering 19 new and upgraded dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria.  

Round 2 applications are now open and dog park locations will be announced in early 2025 following a competitive grants process. All projects will undergo community consultation  before designs are made final.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “Quality, green open spaces close to home are so important to the health and wellbeing of  our local communities –giving our dog owners and their beloved furry companions a new  ‘leash’ on life!”  

A Gippsland farmer has failed recently in his attempt to have his conviction and sentence overturned in the County Court of Victoria. 

Jeremy Rich was appealing against his 2022 conviction on 16 charges, including one of aggravated cruelty, following the death of numerous sheep in his care. 

In 2022, the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court heard the charges related to a large outbreak of flystrike and gastrointestinal parasitism in a flock of more than 2,300 sheep at Mr Rich’s property between March and April 2020. 

Agriculture Victoria officers attended the property in early March 2020 in response to a complaint concerning sick and dying sheep. Officers attended a further 9 separate occasions and issued several Notices to Comply. 

Over this time numerous sheep with flystrike were observed, 3 were humanely euthanised by officers and 41 recently deceased sheep were recorded. 

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, said despite receiving numerous Notices to Comply, no action was taken by Mr Rich.

A significant number of sheep died and were either scavenged, partially eaten, removed or buried in a large pit.

Following this Contested Hearing in the Magistrates’ Court in 2022, Mr Rich was convicted and fined $50,000.00, plus costs of $4,005, and a 10-year disqualification order was imposed. 

The matter was reheard on appeal in the County Court in 2024. Mr Rich was convicted on 13 charges, fined $50,000 and ordered to pay additional costs of $40,386 to the Department for the running of the appeal. The court also re-imposed the 10-year disqualification order.

Mr Bode said the weight of the 10-year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.

“It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.

“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.”

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied

A poultry housing requirement that has been in effect to control the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza near Terang and Meredith was lifted as of last month for some birds.

As no further cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza had been detected in Victoria since 24 June, changes to the control orders were gazetted, taking Victoria one step closer to being free from the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus.

The H7N3 strain of the virus was detected at seven properties close to Meredith, the last of which occurred on 24 June, while the H7N9 strain was detected at one property near Terang on 24 May.

From last month, Thursday, 15 August:

• the housing requirement for poultry in the control areas surrounding Meredith and Terang have been lifted
• the restricted area around the Terang infected property has been reduced from a 5km to a 1.5 km radius
• the control area at Terang has also been reduced from a 15km to a 5km radius.

The control and restricted areas in the Meredith area will remain the same.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Sally Salmon said staff continue to undertake disease monitoring activities, including property visits, phone calls and dead bird collections, and testing samples collected from properties in the restricted and control areas.

‘Everyone’s cooperation has been critical in allowing this easing of restrictions,’ she said.

‘Every text replied to, phone call answered, dead bird report, and live bird testing has, and will, help us get to the next step of lifting restrictions further.

‘Affected properties are continuing to be supported during ongoing decontamination, and egg and litter disposal activities to ensure their properties are free from the disease.’

Poultry and bird owners are reminded that movement controls are still in place for both the Meredith and Terang areas and permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products and feed.

The housing requirement remains in place for poultry located in the restricted areas around Meredith and Terang, meaning all birds need to remain in their enclosures, to avoid any contact with wild birds.

‘Movement controls that have been in place since May have been effective in reducing the number of infections and have helped to stop the disease spreading beyond the restricted areas,’ said Dr Salmon.

‘We would like to thank the poultry industry, and the businesses and affected properties for their ongoing assistance during this response. Without their cooperation and reporting it would not have been possible to control the spread of this disease outbreak.

Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low.

If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.

A list of resources and contact details for industry and individual support, including technical, financial and mental health information, support and services, is available in our resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps, compensation details and mental health resources, are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied

The Macedon Ranges status as a declared distinctive area and landscape is among key aspects contained in the shire’s submission to the state government’s Plan for Victoria.

At its August scheduled meeting held last week the council endorsed its submission to the Victorian Government’s Plan for Victoria proposal, relating to a new land use strategy that will guide how Victoria grows and develops in the period to 2050.

The council’s submission outlines how the Plan should support the Macedon Ranges community, economy, environment and landscape.

In its submissions the council reinforces that Plan for Victoria must have regard for the Macedon Ranges’ status as a declared distinctive area and landscape and ensure the continued implementation of the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy.

The council’s submission also references the importance of its priority projects, Climate Emergency Plan (2023-2030) and other recently endorsed key township plans, including the Riddells Creek Movement Network Plan (2024-2033), Kyneton Movement Network Plan (2024-2033), Gisborne Futures Structure Plan (July 2024) and Romsey Structure Plan (May 2024).

The state’s Priority Primary Care Clinics are this month marking half a million visits from Victorians in need of care, with the popular clinics currently welcoming 7,000 patient visits each week through both walk-ins and appointments.   

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Access Community Health in Richmond to announce that the clinics will now be known as Urgent Care Clinics.

They’re hoped to make it simpler for Victorians to know how and where to get the right kind of care.

Set up by the state government, twenty-nine clinics across Victoria are aimed at reducing pressure on busy emergency departments, with survey data revealing around 50 per cent of patients would have gone to emergency if they did not have the clinic option.

Four Urgent Care Clinics are located nearby to the Macedon electorate, in Sunbury, Melton, Bendigo and Ballarat, and between them have treated 61,664 patients to date.

The clinics  are reportedly popular with regional Victorians, with more than 142,000 patients seen so far at the nine clinics in country Victoria.

Highly experienced general practitioners are the backbone of primary care and lead the clinics backed by nurses.   

The clinics are free, with or without a Medicare card. People can seek care for a range of reasons including sprains, broken bones, mild burns, respiratory illness, tonsillitis, ear infections and urinary tract infections.

Hospitals, paramedics, Nurse on Call, and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) are also using the clinics as a safe and effective referral option, with around 36 percent of patients attending via these services.

Urgent Care Clinics also receive referrals from GP clinics, medical centres and pharmacies. With many Victorians sometimes unable to secure an appointment to see a GP, Urgent Care Clinics can deliver an important alternative for these patients.   

As Victorian Urgent Care Clinics become further embedded in our health system, the state is also keen to ensure they are aligned with national Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

The Commonwealth has now taken over funding ten of Victoria’s existing clinics as part of its responsibility for delivering primary care across Australia.   

Continued investment in the VVED is also helping to relieve pressure on hospitals and paramedics, with more than 360,000 virtual consultations completed since 2020. Eighty-sixpercent of these callers did not require physical care or an in-person appointment.   

If faced with a medical emergency, people should still call Triple Zero or present to their  closest hospital emergency department.

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “Our Urgent Care Clinics are taking pressure off our emergency departments by offering an alternative option when local families need urgent, but not emergency care.”  

Premier Jacinta Allan: “Hundreds of thousands of patients have been diverted away from our busy EDs and ambulances through these free clinics. We’re calling them Urgent Care Clinics, so Victorians know how and where to get the right kind of care.”   

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy is in limbo after a notion of rescission was lodged at its August meeting held last week.

The council’s proposed Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was among multiple matters carrying significant community implications that went before local councillors for decision at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s August meeting held last week.

The Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was considered and an alternate motion, COM.2 Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, had then successfully passed at the meeting.

However a notice of motion to rescind item ‘COM.2 Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy’ was then lodged.

In accordance with the council’s governance rules, the rescission motion must now be considered by the council at the first available meeting, meaning the councillors must consider the rescission motion at the council’s meeting scheduled for Monday September 16.

More information about the notice of rescission will be provided in the agenda for that council meeting, and is to be published on Council’s website by 5pm on Wednesday September 11.

The council has issued a media release stating that it will not be in a position to make further media comments in relation to the matter until after the September meeting.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has endorsed a report containing recommendations for the future management of unsealed roads within its township boundaries.

The council manages about 860 kilometres of unsealed roads, with about 76 kilometres of those within township boundaries.

Over the past five years, factors such as floods, storms and increased traffic have caused a significant rise in the number of requests for maintenance to unsealed roads.

Recommendations included undertaking an unsealed road network condition audit to inform the future management of the council’s unsealed road network.

They also included trialling a ‘Light Pavement and Spray Seal’ solution for suitable unsealed roads within township boundaries, and also proceeding with a Special Charge Scheme process for Noonan Grove in Woodend under the previous policy.

Police detected 155 offences during an ongoing road safety operation across Victoria’s west in August.

Operation West Connect saw highway patrol units enforcing across major arterials in Western Victoria targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It comes as 191 lives were lost on the state’s roads up to last Tuesday, with 50 of those occurring on roads in Western Victoria.

There had been four fatal collisions in the state’s west last month, occurring in Mannibadar, Lucas, Corio and Drummond.

It followed a horror month where 13 lives were lost on roads in Western Victoria during July.

Operation West Connect is an ongoing operation focused on detecting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

Almost half offences detected in August were for speeding, with 75 per cent of speeding drivers detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.

Police conducted 321 preliminary breath tests and 41 preliminary oral fluid tests for drugs, detecting six drug driving offences and two drink driving offences.

Police also detected a significant number of heavy vehicle offences, including 30 log book offences.

The total 155 offences detected during Operation West Connect on Monday 19 August 2024 included:

• 67 speeding offences;

• 35 heavy vehicle offences;

• 10 unregistered vehicles;

• Six drug driving offences from 41 roadside drug tests;

• Six disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

• Six defect notices;

• Four seatbelt offences;

• Three disobey traffic sign/signal

• Two drink driving offences from 321 preliminary breath tests; and

• One mobile phone offence

Operation West Connect will continue across Western Victoria – encompassing major arterial roads from Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo and Echuca as far west as the SA Border, and from the Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Portland as far north as the NSW Border.

Western Region Road Policing Inspector, Justine Ryan: “July was a terrible period on roads in Western Victoria with 13 lives lost and this month we’ve experienced another four lives lost.

“Operation West Connect is an ongoing effort to help drive down the high levels of road trauma we’re experiencing, with police on the look out for any driving behaviour that puts road users at risk.

“We were quite surprised by the high number of heavy vehicle offences detected in August, mainly related to logbook offences – this suggests to us that some truck drivers are choosing to be non-compliant which is not only dangerous to themselves, but to all other road users.

“It’s imperative that everyone is mindful of how their actions behind the wheel can contribute to making our roads safer – it’s up to all of us to prioritise road safety.”

Two returning Macedon Ranges Shire Council grant programs – and a new climate action-focused grant program – have opened with eligible community groups invited to apply throughout September.

The Environment Group Support Grants empower local environment groups through capacity building, weed control and biolink enhancement, all of which benefit the community and natural environment of the shire.

There are three categories under the program: Landcare, Friends Groups and Network Support Funding; Strategic Weed Partnership Program; and Biolink Boost Grants.

New to the grant offerings this year are the Community Climate Action Grants, designed to support groups in developing, implementing and evaluating projects that reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and build climate resilience.

Local groups eligible for the grant include community and environment groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools.

The council has again collaborated with community partners Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Limited and Community Bank Gisborne and District to match funding, with an additional $20,000 provided to boost the funding available to $40,000 each for both the Biolink Boost and Community Climate Action grants.

Mayor Annette Death thanked the community partners for their contributions and encouraged local groups to check their eligibility and submit their projects or ideas for consideration.

“These grants support and recognise the significant contributions our local groups make and assist them to continue delivering projects that benefit the community as a whole,” she said.

The council will also launch its Australia Day Grants Program, following endorsement of updated guidelines at the August 2024 Council Meeting, to support events and acknowledgement ceremonies that mark 26 January in a way that is respectful of all community members.

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for community activities held any day within one week either side of 26 January (including on 26 January), to mark Australia Day with more traditional events or other activities that are respectful of First Nations Peoples.

“Australia Day can mean different things to different people and it’s important that we as a community respect that,” said Cr Death.

“Last year, we provided funding to a range of local groups to host activities on or around Australia Day that reflected their relevant views peacefully and respectfully, and brought the community together. We look forward to providing this support to the community again in 2025.”

Those keen to find out more about the grants and apply can visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grant online.

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a burglary in Wendouree where a mobility scooter and wheelchair were stolen last month.

Investigators have been told a property on Marigold Street was broken into sometime between 23 August and 26 August.

Once inside the property the offenders have removed a Permobil M1 electric chair valued at $16,000 and a Pride mobility scooter valued at $8,000.

Investigators have released images (above) of a wheelchair and scooter similar to the ones that were stolen.

Anyone with information about the burglary or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

By Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

A sheep’s fleece is a great insulator against the cold, so imagine the effect when it’s suddenly gone. 

A freshly shorn sheep may experience a three-fold increase in heat loss, therefore highly prone to hypothermia.

Freshly shorn sheep are at greatest risk of cold stress in the first three days (or nights) after shearing, and remain at risk for up to two weeks, with mortalities seen in some mobs up to four weeks after shearing. 

Although there is little wool growth, acclimatisation and considerable skin thickening occurs after shearing. 

It is therefore important to monitor predicted weather conditions before putting shorn sheep into a paddock after shearing.

The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.

The effect of cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed and temperature.

The type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia is usually associated with the passage of a strong cold front or a rain-bearing depression.

Sheep grazier alerts are issued when a combination of rain, wind and low temperatures reaches a critical level.

If a sheep grazier alert has been received at the end of shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay for the duration. Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to a paddock with adequate shelter and continue to provide supplementary feed.

In areas prone to winter storms a ‘cover comb’ or ‘snow comb’ can be used when shearing.

Once cold, freshly shorn sheep may become extremely difficult to move so always put shorn sheep into a protected paddock with plenty of shelter from the cold.  Off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts.

Extra feed should be provided to sheep for up to four weeks following shearing to meet their increased energy requirements.

Shearing a month before lambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs. However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes are in good condition and have free access to good feed and shelter. Heavily pregnant ewes should not be subject to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves. 

For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

The National Rural Health Alliance has welcomed news that the planned shutdown of the major telecommunications carriers’ 3G networks has now been delayed until October.

The Alliance’s CEO Susi Tegen says the delay, announced last month, represents an acknowledgement that the voice of the seven million people in regional, rural and remote Australia has been heard, allowing more preparation and support where needed, in time for the changeover.

Ms Tegen said the Alliance was pleased the Federal Government and the industry heard calls for the delay, which included submissions to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the issue.

However, the matter does not end there Ms Tegen says.

“While we welcome the decision to delay the shutdown, we urge the telecommunications industry to use this extra time to work with the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland to ensure that those without coverage are supported financially as well as from a digital literacy perspective,” Ms Tegen said.

“We have highlighted on many occasions that the impact of the 3G network shutdown is amplified for people living in rural, regional and remote areas due to the limited availability of healthcare services and the heavy reliance on 3G-enabled medical and other devices.

“Many would risk losing access to triple-zero due to the use of older mobile phones that only support 3G networks.

“We appreciate the government and industries working on these concerns and we are committed to watching closely how the situation unfolds in the upcoming months,” she said.

Telstra originally planned to switch off its 3G network at the end of June, but delayed the move until the end of August when Optus was also set to close its network.

But given the level of concern, both have now agreed to push the date out to 28 October, indicating that they intend to use the extra time to run an information and education campaign regarding the shutdown.

Local opera lovers are already anticipating the upcoming production of Flotow’s masterpiece Martha which is being staged by Lyster Opera in the Creswick Town Hall in November.

Lyster Opera will present this special return performance of Friedrich Von Flotow’s Martha featuring a lush, romantic score which includes The Last Rose of Summer.

Tickets have already gone on sale online through the Trybooking website for the upcoming afternoon matinee performance that’s being staged on Saturday November 2.

Lyster Opera Ltd is a registered charity which aims to celebrate and perform the art of live opera in regional areas, as well as to Melbourne audiences, at an affordable price.

As an approved Deductible Gift Recipient, donations of $2 or more to Lyster Opera are tax deductible in Australia and assist Lyster Opera continue its success in bringing opera to new audiences. 

Donors are acknowledged on Lyster Opera’s website and in their programmes.

The Victorian Government has announced that it’s backing regional farmers and food and beverage businesses to increase their exports and explore new markets by partnering with the Australian Government.

Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas recently announced the establishment of trade managers in Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland to turbocharge exports for regional Victorian businesses.

The locally-based trade managers will support new and established food and fibre businesses to enter or expand in priority export markets, while promoting the state’s food and beverage credentials internationally.

Victoria is the nation’s premier state for food and fibre, with exports increasing seven per cent in value in 2022-23 and reaching a record $19.6 billion – bringing the state close to achieving the Victorian Government’s target of $20 billion by 2030.

Partnering with Austrade to deliver TradeStart in Victoria will provide further support for Victorian businesses in addition to the 23 Victorian Government Trade and Investment offices. TradeStart advisors provide business advice, build export capability and provide connections to international markets.

The Victorian Government has provided $10 million to assist food and fibre businesses reach global markets as part of a record $45 billion investment over the past decade in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.

The Victorian Government Trade and Investment international network is the largest and most effective international network of any Australian state or territory, with every dollar invested in the network returning $40 to the Victorian economy.

This story based on text from Agriculture Victoria. Images: File