GROWTH’S NOT ALWAYS GOOD
■ Economic immigration rates are running at full throttle, despite rising unemployment, rising debt and road-congesting rates of car useage.
Considering 60 per cent or more of our population growth is due to immigration, it’s time for a cost/benefit analysis instead of blindly following the “growth is good” mantra without hard facts to support it.
VIV KAY VIA WEB
FIRE RESPONSE
■ The recent and ongoing bushfires have had devastating effects across Victoria, with a number of livestock farmers impacted by the destruction of pasture and other feed supplies.
Last week, a long-standing agreement was activated between the Victorian state government and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to run an emergency fodder drive.
The state government is providing the funding for the VFF to collect donated fodder and distribute it to farmers in need. Recipients will include farmers in the Mickelham, Kilmore, Lancefield, Gisborne and Romsey areas.
I encourage anyone with the ability to donate spare fodder, or with land available for agistment, to contact the VFF on 1300 882 833.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is also on the ground visiting affected properties to conduct impact assessments and assist with animal welfare needs.
This includes liaising with other government agencies to ensure affected landholders receive rapid support.
Landholders with urgent animal welfare needs should contact the DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
PETER WALSH MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
■ Nothing annoys me more than people parking on the sides of roads to rubber-neck, especially when fire engines and emergency personnel are trying to get through.
When fires are being put out, people standing around just to gawk is annoying!
CONTROL / VIA WEB
BLACK SATURDAY MEMORIAL
■ We remember our founding patron Brian Naylor and wife Moiree fondly during this time.
VARIETY VICTORIA / VIA WEB
