News in brief

Aug 5, 2022

Local Land Services are looking for people focused on long-term sustainability of NSW natural resources and agricultural industries. Photo by Jackie Cooper PIEDESIGN

VFF on listening tour

The VFF team will be talking to farmers and listening to what the big issues are in the northern Victorian region.

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Topics will include biosecurity, animal welfare, rates and water.

VFF vice-president Danyel Cucinotta will attend all three meetings, alongside either VFF general policy manager Charles Everist or VFF Water Council chair Andrew Leahy.

VFF listening tour venues and dates:

Lockington Hotel — Tuesday, August 16 at noon.
Wangaratta Club — Tuesday, August 16 at 6.30pm.
Cohuna-Bower Tavern (upstairs) — Wednesday, August 17 at 11am.

LLS board positions available

People interested in the future of agriculture and the environment across NSW are being encouraged to apply for new board member positions at Local Land Services.

Board members are responsible for driving the strategic direction and vision of the LLS, connecting the agency with landholders and communities to identify the issues and services needed.

LLS is made up of 11 regions, each with its own board of community representatives.

They are made up of a mix of ministerially appointed and elected board members who bring a wealth of skills, experience and commitment to the organisation.

There are 24 positions available and applications close Tuesday, August 30.

For more information, visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/board-recruitment

Hydrogen highway grants

Applications are now open for $20 million in grant funding to support the design and delivery of renewable hydrogen trucking along the Hume Hwy, Australia’s busiest freight corridor.

The Victorian and NSW governments have each invested $10 million in grant funding for the Hume Hydrogen Highway to support the development of at least four refuelling stations along the highway and about 25 hydrogen-powered trucks.

Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon footprint.

Renewable hydrogen shows strong potential to be cost competitive with diesel, which currently powers most of Victoria’s freight industry.

Grant applications close Friday, October 21.

The successful applicant must enter into a joint funding agreement with both governments.

For more information, visit: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/hume-hydrogen-highway/

More Changing Places facilities

Thirty new fully accessible Changing Places facilities will be built across the state at popular destinations, parks and events.

There are now 96 Changing Places in Victoria out of 213 nationally.

Each one has a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system and enough space for two people.

Funding of up to $180,000 is available to governments and popular tourism destinations to build accessible restrooms with adult change tables and hoists.

Those who are Victorian Companion Card holders are also now eligible for a free Master Locksmith Access Key — a universal access key used to open Changing Places facilities.

To find out more, visit: www.vic.gov.au/changing-places-funding-round

To find maps of popular tourist spots with Changing Places toilets and facilities, visit: changingplaces.org.au