There is also an online session available on Tuesday, May 24, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. To register for this session, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gv-dama-information-session-online-tickets-326889323767
RSVP by Thursday, May 19. These are group sessions, however one-on-one meetings can be organised.
For further information, contact GV DAMA co-ordinator Kristy McIntyre on 5832 9501 or email: kristy.mcintyre@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Warning on mouse numbers
NSW Farmers has urged farmers to be extra vigilant in coming weeks, with more and more reports of mouse activity in paddocks.
“We need everyone to use their chew cards but also to keep an eye out for mice, and report any rise in numbers,” vice-president Xavier Martin said.
“The latest official CSIRO-GRDC Mouse Update indicates patchy numbers in NSW that are generally low, but we’re also hearing stories of mice running around farms, so there’s a bit of a mismatch there.”
Farmers and rural landholders are urged to report mouse activity by visiting: https://www.feralscan.org.au/mousealert
Plan to protect cats, wildlife
The Victorian Government will provide $1.3 million of funding for the development of a 10-year cat management strategy.
There are more than 224,000 registered cats across Victoria, with many more unregistered, unowned or feral cats in urban and natural environments.
These cat populations can overlap — sometimes in areas of high biodiversity — creating animal welfare and environmental issues.
Animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA will play a key role in the development of the new strategy.
Victorians will also have the chance to share their views and ideas as part of extensive stakeholder and public consultation.
This will incorporate targeted discussion with key groups including councils, animal shelters, rescue groups and public land managers.
Picturing what lies beneath
Hundreds of sensors the size of a milk bottle will be buried across Australia to help scientists better understand what lies beneath the Earth’s surface.
The Australian Passive Seismic Array Project is a national survey undertaken collaboratively between governments and academia.
Geoscience Australia’s Karol Czarnota said from April to June 2022, scientists would deploy sensors at up to 186 sites across the country.
These sensors will gather data for more than a year, which will be used to develop a three-dimensional model of Australia’s sub-surface geology across the whole continent.
“These sensors measure the small natural vibrations that travel through the Earth, which can be caused by earthquakes thousands of kilometres away, waves breaking on the shore, or even the wind,” Dr Czarnota said.
"By working out the speed of this seismic wave, we can build a picture of the distribution of different rock types beneath the surface, from depths of a few metres to hundreds of kilometres.“
For more information, head to the Exploring for the Future website.
Support to cut carbon emissions
A three-year pilot program that will work with up to 250 farm businesses across the state to measure, manage and reduce their on-farm emissions has been launched by the Victorian Government.
As part of the program, participants will receive a free emissions assessment, giving them an insight into their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Grants will also be available to help participating farmers develop an action plan and implement it.
The pilot will be delivered across nine rounds covering Victoria’s key agricultural industries including beef, dairy, grains, poultry and sheep.
For more information, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather
