A Poacher's Paradise

With less VFA staff encroaching,

some think that the time is approaching

when anglers will fish

just as much as they wish

and stoop to engage in some poaching.

Craig Penny, Terip Terip

Will they fit?

The issue of the walkway under the railway line at Frost Street shows that people who drive cars and do not live in Euroa have no idea of the issues in our township.

One is the age of the population, indicating that some are too old to drive.

Some are lucky to get a gopher.

Did anyone notice the station is getting a lift installed which means there will be steps coming out of the future underpass from the station to Railway Street?

One question is: will the lift be big enough for a gopher, bikes, or luggage?

Will the shire be asking for an island bus stop so the bus does not have to go down Binney Street shopping centre and round the roundabout?

Robyn Neville, Euroa

Grants open but not enough

Drought support grants are now officially open for applications in our region, but for many farmers the support on offer simply won’t be enough to get them through.

One of the Government’s key measures – the $5,000 On-Farm Infrastructure Grant – is now available, but it falls short of what’s truly needed.

A $5,000 grant won’t save a farm on the edge.

We need serious, large-scale solutions to match the scale of this disaster.

The current crisis calls for a long-term plan, not another small, one-off payment.

The grants are offering between $1,000 and $5,000 (excluding GST) on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis.

For example, if you spend $2,500 on approved works, you may be reimbursed for half.

Eligible projects include practical infrastructure upgrades such as stock containment areas, water reticulation, irrigation improvements, fodder and grain storage, re-fencing, and feed systems.

To apply, you must be actively working in a primary production business in an eligible area, have had an ABN since 30 September 2024, contribute labour to the business, and earn either most of your income or at least $75,000 annually from farming.

Applications are made through Rural Finance and once approved, you will have three months to complete the work, after which you must submit receipts to be reimbursed.

I’ve recently sent out a detailed update on how to apply, what support is available, and who to contact.

If you would like a copy, please email me at Annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au – I’m more than happy to share it.

Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa

Dear politicians

Is 'living within our means' an ugly phrase?

So it seems - politicians do not understand it.

Who does?

An indecent proportion of federal and state government income (i.e., taxes) is lost paying interest on their respective borrowings.

Those proportions are set to become higher.

Little surprise then that our essential services continue to be neglected due to the redirection of income to pay interest costs.

Dear politicians: regulate expenditure within your government's means and concentrate on the essentials and ensure that surpluses go to reduce the debt levels and interest costs.

Gary R Mason, Euroa