New builds slash costs with solar
The eligibility for the solar panel rebate has been extended to new homes under construction.
The changes will save Victorian homeowners up to $800 on installation costs by fitting panels as they wire the electricity to their new homes, as well as an average of $1073 each year in energy costs.
Under the changes, eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1400 as well as being able to access a $1400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction.
For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit: solar.vic.gov.au
Keep within the animal rules
Strathbogie Shire Council rangers will be increasing patrols to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.
The Domestic Animals Act requires all dogs in public spaces to be on a lead. The only exemption is the Euroa Off-Leash Dog Park.
Mayor Laura Binks said there was also a limit in place for the number of animals that could be housed at a property in residential zones.
“Those living in a residential zone are permitted to house two cats, two dogs and five poultry and it’s important to remember that roosters of any kind are not permitted at a residential property,” she said.
The responsible housing of animals also extends to livestock management where fences on properties must be secure to ensure livestock cannot escape onto roads.
If residents fail to comply with their legal responsibilities around responsible pet ownership and livestock management, significant penalties apply.
For more information, visit: www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
No EPA licence needed for silage tyres
Farmers will no longer need an Environment Protection Authority licence when using more than 5000 tyres to weigh down silage.
They will instead need to register them — a new, free process developed specifically for farmers using more than 60 waste tyres.
The registration requirement is part of a compromise deal negotiated by the UDV and Dairy Australia, to avoid farmers having to spend $15,000 or more to gain an EPA licence when using 5000 or more waste tyres.
Registration will be introduced on July 1, 2023.
The cows come home
As summer winds down in Europe, the Swiss are busy walking their goats, dairy cows and cattle down from the alpine grasslands — in that order.
The cattle are driven up the mountains in May and left to graze over the summertime.
Their return to the valleys in autumn is a big occasion, with the cows dressed in flowers, bells and headpieces, and accompanied by the farming family who graze them.
Farmers or ‘herdsmen’ make the hike with their livestock, guiding them down from the mountains and along the roads in traditional garb.
Biosecurity help for small landholders
Victorian small landholders are invited to boost their biosecurity skills and knowledge by attending two educational webinars being hosted by Agriculture Victoria and RSPCA Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria team member Brett Davidson will be joined by RSPCA Victoria education officer Rachael Laukart for two webinar sessions to discuss biosecurity measures and risks tailored to small-scale, artisanal and peri-urban landholders.
The two 1.5-hour biosecurity webinars will cover topics including an overview of biosecurity and why it matters, how to manage biosecurity on your property and where to go for information.
The first webinar will be held on September 28. For more details, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/events
For further information on foot and mouth disease, including advice for hobby farmers, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/fmd