Mitchell Shire Council is not one of the Councils standing up for its Farmers. We are glad to see other LGAs being represented but why is Mitchell Shire one of those not working for us? ... See MoreSee Less
A great write up in this week's North Central Review on the front page regarding the rates rise in Mitchell Shire (8.62% increase) and Macedon Ranges (14.78%), slugging farmers at the worst possible time - in a drought!
Chair of Protect Our Farms Bill Chisholm and Member Lyndon Arnell have done a great job at highlighting the inequity of farm rates vs residential rates increases and the fact the increases are way above the state’s 2.75 per cent rate cap.
Check the comments below for the shocking comparison of farm vs residential rates changes for Mitchell Shire landholders.
If you are attending the Mitchell Shire Drought session on 16th July, please let Councillors and staff know how you feel about these changes!
Urgent action is needed to manage increasing kangaroo populations across northern Victoria, with rising numbers contributing to a spike in vehicle crashes, train disruptions and damage to farmland.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, raised the issue in Parliament this week, submitting questions to the Minister for Environment regarding the state’s Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system amid concerns the number of permits being granted was declining despite the escalating kangaroo population.
“Kangaroo numbers have exploded across our region, and communities are bearing the brunt of it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People driving on rural roads are genuinely frightened. In the early morning or around dusk, it feels like a kangaroo could jump in front of you at any moment.”
Recent surveys estimate there are more than 2.4 million kangaroos across Victoria. But Ms Cleeland said the true impact goes beyond population data.
“Motorists are at serious risk, and kangaroo collisions are now one of the most common wildlife-related hazards on our roads,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Motorcyclists in particular are vulnerable, and the outcomes of these crashes can be tragic.
“Despite this, the tools available to manage local kangaroo populations are outdated and difficult to navigate.”
The strain is not only on roads. Kangaroo strikes have become a major cause of disruption to regional train services, with V/Line recently confirming that collisions are reducing carriage availability and causing regular delays.
“Our regional transport network is being affected, our roads are less safe, and our farmers are watching as kangaroos compete directly with livestock for scarce feed and water,” Ms Cleeland said.
“With drought already pushing farm operations to the brink, the added pressure from unchecked wildlife populations is unacceptable.”
Ms Cleeland also criticised the government’s limited funding commitment to kangaroo harvesting, with just $200,000 allocated in the state budget for next year.
“That amount of funding shows how little the government is prioritising this issue. We need real investment in population control and sustainable harvesting,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Kangaroo meat and leather are valuable products with global demand. Expanding the market not only helps manage numbers, it also creates economic opportunities for rural communities.”
Ms Cleeland urged residents to share their experiences and have a say in the current Parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria.
Mitchell Shire Council is not one of the Councils standing up for its Farmers.
We are glad to see other LGAs being represented but why is Mitchell Shire one of those not working for us? ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚨 Order your “Scrap the Tax” sign today! 🚨
Corflute signs are now available for just $10 each. Put one up on your fence, gate, or roadside to show your support and help spread the word.
Every sign helps send a strong message across our rural communities: this tax is unfair, and we won’t stay silent.
📍 Link to order below 👇
farmprotect.org/campaigns/scrapthetax/ordercorflute/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Land Access Rights Rally
30th July 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks to Andrew Miller from Stock & Land for this article on our group. ... See MoreSee Less
A Victorian lobby group is expanding its focus areas to fight the fire levy
www.stockandland.com.au
The group has a strong foundation of protecting farms and livelihoods.1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Rural councils design new rate notices to 'name and shame' government taxes ... See MoreSee Less
Rural councils design new rate notices to 'name and shame' government taxes
www.stockandland.com.au
Councils want to shift the fire levy blame to the government.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Farmers Slam Rates Hike
A great write up in this week's North Central Review on the front page regarding the rates rise in Mitchell Shire (8.62% increase) and Macedon Ranges (14.78%), slugging farmers at the worst possible time - in a drought!
Chair of Protect Our Farms Bill Chisholm and Member Lyndon Arnell have done a great job at highlighting the inequity of farm rates vs residential rates increases and the fact the increases are way above the state’s 2.75 per cent rate cap.
Check the comments below for the shocking comparison of farm vs residential rates changes for Mitchell Shire landholders.
If you are attending the Mitchell Shire Drought session on 16th July, please let Councillors and staff know how you feel about these changes!
You can read an online version of the front page at ncreview.com.au/2025/07/08/farmers-slam-rates-hike/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Farmer event from Mitchell Shire Council
16th July Broadford 6.30pm ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Urgent action needed on escalating kangaroo numbers
‼️State Govt survey closes June 30th, follow the link to have your say!⬇️
www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/WildlifeRoadstrike/Survey/
Urgent action is needed to manage increasing kangaroo populations across northern Victoria, with rising numbers contributing to a spike in vehicle crashes, train disruptions and damage to farmland.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, raised the issue in Parliament this week, submitting questions to the Minister for Environment regarding the state’s Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system amid concerns the number of permits being granted was declining despite the escalating kangaroo population.
“Kangaroo numbers have exploded across our region, and communities are bearing the brunt of it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People driving on rural roads are genuinely frightened. In the early morning or around dusk, it feels like a kangaroo could jump in front of you at any moment.”
Recent surveys estimate there are more than 2.4 million kangaroos across Victoria. But Ms Cleeland said the true impact goes beyond population data.
“Motorists are at serious risk, and kangaroo collisions are now one of the most common wildlife-related hazards on our roads,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Motorcyclists in particular are vulnerable, and the outcomes of these crashes can be tragic.
“Despite this, the tools available to manage local kangaroo populations are outdated and difficult to navigate.”
The strain is not only on roads. Kangaroo strikes have become a major cause of disruption to regional train services, with V/Line recently confirming that collisions are reducing carriage availability and causing regular delays.
“Our regional transport network is being affected, our roads are less safe, and our farmers are watching as kangaroos compete directly with livestock for scarce feed and water,” Ms Cleeland said.
“With drought already pushing farm operations to the brink, the added pressure from unchecked wildlife populations is unacceptable.”
Ms Cleeland also criticised the government’s limited funding commitment to kangaroo harvesting, with just $200,000 allocated in the state budget for next year.
“That amount of funding shows how little the government is prioritising this issue. We need real investment in population control and sustainable harvesting,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Kangaroo meat and leather are valuable products with global demand. Expanding the market not only helps manage numbers, it also creates economic opportunities for rural communities.”
Ms Cleeland urged residents to share their experiences and have a say in the current Parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria.
The public survey closes on June 30. ... See MoreSee Less
Survey - Inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria - Parliament of Victoria
www.parliament.vic.gov.au
Submissions Closed | Submissions for this inquiry have now closed however the survey will remain open until 30 June 2025.1 CommentsComment on Facebook